How to Fix Noisy Pipes

How to Fix Noisy Pipes

Noisy pipes are one of the most common home plumbing complaints — and different sounds point to different problems. Here's how to identify what you're hearing and fix it.

Banging or Thudding (Water Hammer)

When it happens: When you turn off a faucet quickly, or when the washing machine or dishwasher finishes filling.

Cause: Water hammer — the momentum of moving water slamming into a closed valve.

Fix:

• 👉 Water hammer arrestors — install at the washing machine supply valves. Takes 10 minutes, no tools needed.
• Reduce water pressure if above 80 PSI using a pressure reducing valve
• Secure loose pipes with pipe straps

Whistling or Whining

When it happens: When water is running through a specific fixture.

Cause: Water being forced through a restriction — a partially closed valve, a worn washer, or a clogged aerator/shower head.

Fix:

• Check all shut-off valves — make sure they're fully open
• Clean the faucet aerator or shower head nozzles
• Replace worn washers or cartridges using a faucet stem repair kit
• If the whistling comes from the toilet fill valve, replace it with a fill valve and flapper kit

Rattling

When it happens: When water is running, pipes rattle against walls, framing, or other pipes.

Cause: Pipes that aren't properly secured vibrate when water flows through them.

Fix:

• Locate the rattling pipe — run water and listen carefully to find the section
• Add pipe straps or cushioned pipe clamps to secure the pipe to framing
• Wrap the pipe with pipe insulation where it contacts other surfaces: pipe insulation foam

Squeaking

When it happens: When hot water runs through copper pipes.

Cause: Hot water causes copper pipes to expand. If the pipe passes through a tight hole in framing, the expansion causes squeaking as the pipe rubs against the wood.

Fix:

• Locate where the pipe passes through framing
• Enlarge the hole slightly so the pipe can expand freely
• Or wrap the pipe with pipe insulation foam where it contacts the framing — this cushions the movement and eliminates the squeak

Gurgling

When it happens: When water drains.

Cause: Air being pulled through a water trap due to a clog or blocked vent pipe. See our guide on How to Fix a Gurgling Drain.

Quick Reference

Bottom Line

Different pipe noises have different causes — identify the sound and when it happens to find the right fix. Most pipe noise problems are solved with pipe straps, water hammer arrestors, or cleaning a clogged aerator.