How to Get Out a Thumping Noise From a Faucet

Faucets can make can make noises for several reasons.

The thumping you hear behind the walls as the water runs is called a water hammer. Water hammers are created by air that is trapped in the water supply lines running through your home. Air causes the water pressure to build and drop and build and drop, and the result is the shaking and banging of pipes that you hear. Eliminating a water hammer requires a bit of plumbing knowledge but no tools.

Instructions

1. Locate the water main that leads from the outside water source into your home. Locate the cutoff valve that controls the flow of water through your water main. Turn the cutoff valve in a clockwise direction to shut off the water supply.

2. Walk around your house and open every faucet you find. Flush each toilet so the water tank is empty. The idea is to remove all water from the system so the trapped air can escape. Leave everything open for about 15 minutes.

3. Return to your water main and open the cutoff valve. Water will begin to flow throughout the house. Allow the water to flow for a few moments. Open each toilet cutoff valve and allow the tanks to refill as well. Flush each toilet, then make your way around the house and turn off all of the faucets.

4. Test your faucet. The sound should be gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Ticking sounds are produced when hot water flows through cold pipes, usually during the winter. This ticking is a result of expanded pipes rubbing and pressing against inner wall features. The sound is not as loud or disruptive as a water hammer, but it can still be noticeable.

• Pipes that are not secured to beams behind the wall can also create noises during any season. Normal use of your faucet can cause pipes to shake and rattle if the pipes are not tied down. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to open the wall and secure the pipes with metal tie-down straps or some other fastener.

• If your water hammer continues after the system flush out, or if it returns over time, consider installing air chambers, or water hammer arresters. These plumbing fixtures will control the energy released by water pressure and eliminate banging.

• Never take on a plumbing job that is beyond your capabilities. Calling in a professional can prevent broken pipes, flooding and extensive damage to your home.

References

• This Old House: Fixing Noisy Pipes
• Family Handyman: How to Repair a Noisy Outdoor Faucet
• Popular Mechanics: How to Fix Noisy Water Pipes
• Google Books; Popular Mechanics; Silence Those Noisy Water Pipes
• Don Vandervoort's Home Tips: How to Fix Noisy Pipes
• West Virginia University: Water Hammer