Noisy pipes and water hammer explained
Bangs when a tap shuts, rattles, ticks, hums and hisses each point to a different cause. What each pipe noise means, what to check and how it is fixed.
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Key takeaways
- A single bang or thud when a tap or appliance shuts off is water hammer: moving water stopped suddenly, sending a shock back through the pipes.
- Water hammer usually comes from taps and appliance valves that shut sharply or a sticking jumper valve in a tap, and Sydney Water says high pressure can break pipes and cause leaks.
- High pressure makes most pipe noises worse and is hard on hoses, appliance valves and the hot water system's relief valve.
- A hiss or trickle with everything turned off is not a noise problem. It is usually a leak. Confirm it with Sydney Water's meter leak test, then call us on 0468 207 504.
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