"Clunk" noise when taps turned off ...

MimiJane

Can anyone advise me why all the taps in my house make a one-off loud "clunk" noise when they're turned off. This is particularly loud when the washing machine's going.

Could this be doing any damage and has anyone got any advice on how to fix this?

Thanks in advance.

quoia

Possibly a "bouncing" ball c o c k !

fairenoughclough

MimiJane wrote:

Can anyone advise me why all the taps in my house make a one-off loud "clunk" noise when they're turned off. This is particularly loud when the washing machine's going.

Could this be doing any damage and has anyone got any advice on how to fix this?

Thanks in advance.

You say the noise comes from the taps, I'd expect it to be your pipes moving due to the impetus of the flow before you turn off.

If it doesn't happen when you turn off taps slowly, that's what it is.

You can stop it by securing your water pipes in place.

robnye

does this only happen on the cold water tap?

if so, try turning the mains pressure down a little

we had the same problem, everytime the toilet/washing machine or cold tap was used, the pipes banged.

most common cause is a loose pipe, ie it vibrates with the pressure from the mains, by turning the mains pressure down slightly, it reduces the clanging, doesnt stop it all together though ....... unless you turn the mains off....

alanobrien

As they say, its normally just a badly secured pipe that moves due to the increased back pressure when you turn off the tap.

Actually its a shock wave rather than pressure but i wont go into that here!

If its not a badly secured pipe then you may have a water hammer issue but this is simply resolved by fitting an arrestor such as the one found here;

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/347-0000

MimiJane

Thanks for the replies guys ... first step turning the water pressure down a bit.

MimiJane

Yipee, it's worked ... no more noise.:D

m00nie

glad you fixed it, another option if it ever happens again is turn the stereo up, works great, even works in a car if you have knocking noises

robnye

m00nie wrote:

glad you fixed it, another option if it ever happens again is turn the stereo up, works great, even works in a car if you have knocking noises

i've got a car like that........ he he........

shanni

I get this too! How do you turn the water pressure down please?

Party_Animal

shanni wrote:

I get this too! How do you turn the water pressure down please?

Locate your incoming main. It may be under the sink or in a downstairs cupboard. Find the stoptap. Turn the tap clockwise till it won't go any further then open it up gradually until there's enough flow but not too much. Check the noise and flow rate and adjust accordingly.