Most homeowners have experienced the unfortunate sound of banging pipes. It’s often caused by water pressure that’s too high, which can be easily fixed. However, if you ignore the issue, it could lead to much more serious problems down the road.

hen water pipes bang, it is usually because of a build-up of pressure in the pipe. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a clog in the pipe or a change in water pressure.

Here’s a closer look at why banging water pipes are dangerous and what you can do to fix the problem.

The Dangers of Banging Water Pipes

Banging water pipes are dangerous because it can cause damage to your plumbing system. When water bangs around in the pipes, it can loosen fittings and connections. This can lead to leaks which can cause extensive damage to your home. In addition, banging water pipes can be incredibly loud and disruptive.

A number of other problems it can lead to include the following

  • Water Damage: If water is shooting out of your faucets or fixtures, it could cause extensive water damage to your home. It could even cause your home’s foundation to shift in severe cases.
  • Mold and Mildew: If there’s constant moisture in your home, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Not only IS mold and mildew unsightly, but they can also cause respiratory problems for you and your family.
  • High Energy Bills: If your pipes are constantly banging, it means they’re not functioning properly. This puts strain on your entire plumbing system, which could lead to higher energy bills each month.
  • A nuisance for neighbors: If you live in a small house or an apartment, your banging pipes could be a nuisance for your neighbors. If they’re living close by and have thin walls, you might also hear their pipes banging.
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Fixing Your Banging Water Pipes

The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to fix the problem. You can start with any one of the suggestions below.

  • Check for Clogs: The first step is to inspect your pipes for clogs. Oftentimes, a build-up of dirt or debris can be causing the problem. You can try to clean the pipes yourself, or you may need to call a plumber for professional assistance.
  • Reduce Water Pressure: Another cause of banging water pipes is high water pressure. You can reduce the pressure by installing a water regulator on your main line. This will help keep the pressure at an optimal level, which can prevent the banging issue.
  • Replace Pipes: In some cases, the pipes may be damaged or worn out. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace them with new, high-quality pipes that can adequately handle the flow of water in your home.
  • Install pressure limiting valve: Another easy and effective way to stop your pipes from banging is to install a pressure limiting valve on your main water line. This will ensure that you don’t have high water pressure, so there won’t be any banging sounds in your home.
  • Close valves halfway: You could also try closing your main valves halfway and then fully opening them again. This can help dislodge any clogs that are causing the water pressure to be too high so that the banging will stop.
  • Change your taps: If your taps are loose or faulty, this could also be causing the banging noise. You may want to try replacing your taps with new ones that fit snugly and tightly in place. This can help fix the issue, so you don’t have to deal with banging water pipes ever again.
  • Do a power flush of your heating system: Banging pipes could also be a sign of something more serious, such as problems with your heating system. To do a power flush of your heating system, you’ll need to contact a professional plumber who can inspect and clean the pipes.
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Plumbing problems are never fun, but by following these tips you can fix banging water pipes and prevent future issues. With a little maintenance and inspections regularly, your plumbing system will stay in good condition for years to come.

Final Thoughts

You may be tempted to ignore banging pipes, but it’s crucial that you take action as soon as possible. lingering plumbing issues will only become worse over time and could cause irreversible damage to your home.

Fixing the problem yourself is easy with a few simple steps, but if you’re not feeling confident or those steps don’t work, always call in a professional plumber to inspect and fix your pipes. By taking care of your plumbing system now, you can enjoy peace of mind and a safe, functional home for years to come.

About the author

I started working as a quality control manager with the Water Authority of Nassau County in 2005. After a few years, I moved into Water Waste Prevention, where I currently work as the production supervisor. I love my job and the people I work with, but most of all I love spending time with my family.