QA

Quick Answer: Vibrating Pipes 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.

How do I stop the pipes from vibrating when I flush the toilet?

When water flows through the pipes and the valves shut off quickly, water is forced to stop suddenly causing the hammer effect. To correct this problem, call a trusted plumber to help add a water hammer arrestor to the vibrating pipes. Also, you could replace the toilet’s fill valves with slow-closing fill valves.

Why do the pipes vibrate when I flush the toilet?

The purpose of a toilet’s fill valve is exactly what it sounds like: it refills the toilet with water once you’ve flushed it. Basically, the fill valve fills up from the bottom. So, the vibrations you end up hearing is actually the incoming water causing the hardened diaphragm to bounce around inside the fill valve.

How do I stop my water pipes from vibrating?

Loose Supports Cause Knocking Installing pipe supports will hold them in place and make them less likely to vibrate or knock into each other. You can also wrap foam insulation around the pipes and secure it in place with zip ties to dampen the sound of water pipes vibrating against each other.

Why do the pipes in my house rattle?

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.

Can water hammer go away on its own?

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.

Can water hammer burst pipes?

The Water Hammer Problem The effect of the shockwaves can damage the pipes and knock them loose, and also damage taps, faucets, and appliances. Enough force from water hammer can even cause pipes to burst. If you hear rattling sounds along with the water hammer, it likely means you have pipes coming loose.

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.

Why are my pipes making noise when the water is turned on?

The pipes are noisy when you turn water on, and after you shut it off. It sounds like a water hammer problem, possibly coupled with water pipes that are not properly secured to the framing. You may also have high water pressure. Water hammer occurs when a faucet is turned off quickly rather than when it’s turned on.

How do I stop my pipes from rattling?

Tightening loose connections, resecuring pipes, inserting a piece of cardboard or something soft between two pipes or where pipes rest against a hard surface and installing a water hammer arrestor can go a long way to lessening or eliminating 90% of noisy plumbing.

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.

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.

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).

What are the warning signs of water hammer?

The most evident warning sign of water hammer is the noise. It sounds like a loud, abrupt BANG or a THUG. It can often be accompanied by rattling in the piping. Typically, it happens more than once as the supersonic pressure wave bounces back and forth in the piping system.

How do you prevent water hammer?

The most important way to prevent water hammer is to remove the water from the steam lines before passing the steam again through them. Water is removed from the steam lines using drain connections. All the water should be drained out to make the lines clear.

Do I need to worry about water hammer?

KEEP YOUR HOME’S PLUMBING WORRY-FREE If water hammer is bothering you, the first step is to call a plumbing professional. Waiting too long may lead to water leaks or expensive repairs. To make sure your home’s plumbing system is inspected each year, consider signing up for a Lee Company Home Maintenance Plan.