QA

Question: Pipes Rattle When Toilet Flushes

The most common cause of a vibrating sound in the walls when you flush is an issue with the toilet’s fill valve – specifically, its diaphragm gasket. When this small part wears out, it becomes stiff and less flexible. When it tries to shut off, it bounces up and down, causing the vibrating sounds you hear.

Why do my pipes rattle when I flush my toilet?

A water hammer is caused by fast-closing valves, like toilet fill valves and faucets. As the water flows through the pipes and the valve shuts off quickly, it causes the water to stop suddenly in the pipes, causing the “hammer” effect. Once the lowest pipe runs clear, close that drain and turn the water main back on.

How do you stop water hammer after flushing toilet?

Water Hammer To resolve this kind of issue, you can try the following: Turn off the water supply to your home at the main. Flush all your toilets in your house. Allow water to drain from the open faucets for about 20 to 30 minutes. Turn on the water supply to your house at the main. Close all the cold-water faucets.

How do I stop my water pipes from rattling?

Wrap pipes in foam to prevent noise where they pass through or across other materials. Make sure lines are supported and have some flex room for expansion and contraction. Additionally, lowering the water pressure or installing a hammer arrester can stop rattle too.

Can Waterhammer cause damage?

Water hammer can cause serious damage to pipelines, pipe joins gaskets, and all other components of the system like flow meters and pressure gauges. Water hammer can also cause leaks at the joints in the system, crack pipe walls and deform piping support systems.

Can water hammer fix itself?

A: The banging racket you’re hearing is called “water hammer,” a form of hydraulic shock that occurs when the shut-off valve on a high-pressure water line suddenly closes. Fortunately, homeowners can usually eliminate water hammer inexpensively without the help of a professional.

Why does my toilet sound like a jackhammer?

The jackhammer sound coming from your toilet isn’t produced by the toilet, but by the water pipes. It occurs when water slams against the pipes when the toilet valve shuts off. The phenomenon is called water hammer, and it can damage the pipes if you don’t do something about it, warns Family Handyman.

What does toilet water hammer sound like?

Water hammer on a toilet supply line occurs after flushing when the toilet is full and the fill valve shuts off. The noise sounds much like a jet plane, and it shakes both the pipes and the toilet they serve. This is the classic symptom of water hammer, and it can happen in any home.

Can a toilet valve cause water hammer?

A faulty toilet fill valve that doesn’t close completely or a quick-closing fill valve are both possible causes of water hammer that occurs after you flush a toilet.

Why do pipes rattle in house?

Perhaps the most common cause of rattling pipes in homes is something known as a “water hammer.” Every time that you turn on or shut off your faucet, the sudden change in water pressure can create a shockwave that reverberates through your pipes.

What can cause water pipes to vibrate and make noise?

When pipes are making strange noises or vibrating, these conditions typically are caused by one of a few factors, including a phenomenon known as “water hammer,” loose pipe supports, temperature changes, or air in the pipes.

How do I stop my pipes from hammering?

Tips for Stopping Water Hammers Drain your pipes and refill them to create new air chambers. One method for eliminating water hammers is to create new air chambers that will serve as cushions for shockwaves. Tighten mounting straps. Install a water hammer arrestor.

Can a plumber fix water hammer?

If there isn’t a regulator located on the main water feed, you’ll need a plumber to install it – especially if there is a water meter on the line. The plumber will also adjust the water pressure. If there is a pressure regulator, locate and slowly turn the main water shut-off valve to the closed position.

Why do water pipes thump?

A: The knocking sounds are what’s known as water hammer, caused when water flowing in pipes suddenly shuts off and vibrates with enough force to cause the pipes to knock against wood framing. Manufacturers now make inexpensive, easy-to-install water hammer arresters where these appliances connect to the water system.

What is the loud banging noise after I flush the toilet?

When you flush your toilet, water runs through the pipes quickly. But as the toilet finishes filling up, it suddenly closes a valve, causing water the crash against it. This creates noise and vibration, sometimes causing the pipe to bang against the wall (aka the water hammer).

Is water hammer expensive to fix?

A. Water hammer doesn’t usually damage plumbing, but it can certainly be annoying. Replacing this valve, including the part and labor, costs less than $300, according to Connie Hodges, operations manager at Wacker Plumbing & Remodeling in Sterling (703-450-5565, www.wackerplumbing.com).

Is water hammer a problem?

Water hammer is a common plumbing problem. It’s an annoying sound, a loud “bang” that can be quite startling. And while you may want to wish it away as simply one of those harmless everyday sounds, it can eventually damage your plumbing system.