There are numerous issues that a typical Edmonton plumbing professional faces almost every day. While clogged drains, sinks, or pipes may be technically the most common ones, there may be one issue that’s a close second: creaking pipes. As SFGate.com writer Shala Munroe notes:

“Creaking pipes can make startling noises when you turn on your hot water, leading you to believe there’s a major plumbing problem in your home. A creaking sound isn’t typically a sign of a large problem, and there are some simple solutions you can try to stop the spooky noises.”

 

 

There are different ways of fixing creaky pipes, each of which depends mainly on the problem itself. Here are some of them.

Cracking – These are the results of water pipes expanding and contracting as water flows through them. For instance, the pipes are heated as hot water runs through them, causing them to slightly expand. The easiest way to fix this up is to apply insulation material around the pipe or, if the pipe runs through a tightly fitted hole in the framing, a notch must be cut to provide more room for the pipe to contract and expand quietly.

Whistling – A pipe “whistles” because the water might be flowing through a restricted section of the pipe assembly. This can either be accumulated sediment in the pipe or a defective washer/valve. If the whistling occurs only when a specific faucet is used, replacing the washer or repairing the faucet’s valve seat should fix the problem. But if the whistling occurs when any faucet is turned on, the problem might be in the main water supply valve – which can only be handled correctly by a pro.

Rattling and banging – Rattling pipes are caused by three common factors, namely loose fittings, high water pressure, or water hammers. Loose pipes rattle because as water runs through them, they vibrate and hit the nearest wood framing when they’re loosely fitted. The high pressure causes pipes to vibrate rapidly and doesn’t spare tight or loose pipes, and water hammers bang because of the water slamming an abruptly closed valve (causing the characteristic banging sound of a hammer).

First, loose pipes can be fixed by securing the pipes to the wood framing using pipe clips. Second, rattling caused by high water pressure can be eased by lowering the pressure to a recommended level, which is often between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (PSI).

This can be done by adding a pressure-reducing valve to the incoming main line. Third and last, water hammers can be fixed by adding a water hammer arrestor; best done by a skilled pro from dependable Edmonton plumbing companies like Capital Plumbing and Heating, Ltd.