How to Fix Water Pipes That Make Noise & Vibrate

Insulating sleeves on water pipes prevent noisy showers.

Water pipes that vibrate against the framing inside your home results in an obnoxious rattling noise. This is particularly disturbing when you are trying to sleep late at night or early in the morning when another member of your household is showering or using the water. Fixing the cause is a task that almost anyone can do quickly and at little cost.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Insulation pipe sleeves
• Sturdy acrylic tape

Instructions

1. Locate the area where the vibrating noise emanates from the pipes. This is often in a basement or other easily accessed area.

2. Measure the noisy water pipes’ outside diameter with a measuring tape once you locate them. This ensures you purchase the right size insulation sleeves. The inside diameter of the sleeves must match the outside diameter of the noisy pipes.

3. Open the pipe sleeve at the seam.

4. Slip the pipe sleeve over the noisy water pipe with the seam section facing the floor.

5. Secure the pipe sleeve to the water pipe every 12 to 24 inches. Do this by wrapping sturdy acrylic tape around the sleeve.

Tips & Warnings

• Insulation pipe sleeves are available at hardware, discount and home-supply stores. Buy quality pipe sleeves, as they also prevent frozen pipes during freezing temperatures.

References

• Home Tips.com: How to Fix Noisy Pipes
• U.S. Department of Energy: Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings