Noisy pipes

bouicca21

Inspired by the noisy water tank post, I thought I'd have a go at getting a diagnosis for my noisy water pipes.

It sounds like vibration and is localised to the pipes near the stopcock. But although it sounds like vibration, touching the actual pipe shows it is not vibrating. The sound occasionally occurs at other times but is at its worst when the dishwasher is filling.

I've talked to a couple of plumbers but they have no idea why it would occur and I'm reluctant to call them out for a visit if I am going to end up paying and not getting a solution. I also asked the guy who serviced the boiler last summer but he just shrugged his shoulders. I've been told just to bleed the radiators but that makes no difference (and there was no air in them anyway).

flashg67

Is the stopcock turned all the way on? If not, try doing that. If so, try turning it down half a turn or so. I noticed mine is noisier with it turned on full, but turning it down makes no difference to the pressure for showers etc

Head_The_Ball

flashg67 wrote: »

Is the stopcock turned all the way on? If not, try doing that. If so, try turning it down half a turn or so. I noticed mine is noisier with it turned on full, but turning it down makes no difference to the pressure for showers etc

I can't help on the noise issue but partially closing a stopcock makes no difference to water pressure, it reduces the flow rate.

A half closed stopcock may not affect one shower if the flow rate through the stopcock is still sufficient but it may affect things if there are other simultaneous water demands from, for example, a washing machine or a filling toilet cistern.

It can be advisable to fully open the stopcock and then close it by a fraction as that reduces the risk of it sticking or seizing open.

It is also advisable to fully close and open the stopcock a few times a year as that again reduces the risk of it sticking or seizing open.


Happy New Year everyone.