Why Noisy Water Pipes After Flushing Toilet Happen and How to Fix

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Posted Nov 13, 2024

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Close up of Pipes
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Noisy water pipes after flushing the toilet can be a real nuisance. They can be a sign of a more serious issue, like a loose or corroded pipe connection.

The sound is usually caused by air rushing into the pipes as the water flows out, which can be loud enough to be heard throughout the house. This is often due to a partial blockage or a faulty pipe.

In some cases, the noise can be caused by the toilet's fill valve not shutting off properly, allowing water to continue flowing into the bowl and creating a gurgling sound. This is a relatively simple fix that can be done with a new fill valve.

Loose or corroded pipe connections can also cause the noise, and in these cases, tightening or replacing the connections may be necessary.

Causes of Noisy Pipes

Noisy pipes can be a real nuisance, especially after flushing the toilet. One common cause is poor construction of CPVC water lines, which can lead to a rubbing or clicking noise when hot water runs through the pipe.

Credit: youtube.com, Why is My Plumbing Making Noise? - Real Plumber Real Answers

CPVC pipes expand when hot water flows through them, and if they're not given enough space, friction occurs, causing the noise. You can identify if this is the issue if you see cream-colored or light tan piping marked "CPVC" and the noise only happens when a hot water tap is turned on.

High water pressure is another culprit behind noisy pipes. Ideally, incoming pressure should be around 50 PSI, but if it's higher, it can cause pipes to make noise and experience strain. Installing a water pressure regulator can help reduce the pressure and prevent these issues.

Loose piping can also cause rattling and banging sounds as water moves through the pipes. To fix this, identify the source of the problem and secure the pipe to minimize movement. In some cases, stabilizing drain pipes can resolve the issue.

Here's a quick rundown of the common causes of noisy pipes:

Most Likely Cause

If you're experiencing noisy pipes, it's essential to identify the most likely cause. Poor construction of CPVC water lines is a common issue that can cause knocking noises. You'll know if this is your problem if you see cream-colored or light tan piping marked "CPVC" running to your hot water appliances.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Stop Noisy Plumbing Pipes - No more Whining, Squealing, or Hammering

Only a few specific situations indicate poor construction of CPVC water lines. These include:

  • You see cream-colored or light tan piping running to your hot water appliances. These pipes will also be marked "CPVC".
  • You only hear the knocking/clicking noises when a hot water tap is turned on
  • The noise stops several minutes after the hot water tap is turned off

Loose anchoring points are another common cause of noisy pipes. Over time, fast-moving water can loosen these points, leading to rattling or banging sounds. Tightening or replacing these anchors can often resolve the issue.

Water hammering is also a possible cause of noisy pipes. This occurs when the water flow is suddenly stopped, causing the water to hit a cushion of air in the pipe. However, if the air in the pipe is lost, the cushioning effect is gone, resulting in water hammering.

High Water Pressure

High Water Pressure is a common cause of noisy pipes. It can cause humming or vibrating sounds as water rushes through your pipes at high speed.

The ideal incoming water pressure is about 50 PSI to prevent pipes from making noise and experiencing unnecessary strain. Some areas have water pressure as high as 100 to 200 PSI, which can put a strain on your pipes.

Credit: youtube.com, Plumbing Advice : How to Fix Whining Water Pipes

A water pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), can help reduce high water pressure. This device reduces the pressure of the incoming supply, which may be too high for your pipes to handle.

If you notice that the water pressure coming from your hot water pipe seems too strong, you may need to adjust your water heater. This can help alleviate some of the strain on your pipes and reduce the noise.

Worn Out Washers

A whistling or squeaking water pipe is a direct result of a worn-out washer in a tap or valve. The culprit here is usually the valves connected to the taps or washing machine.

If you only hear the squealing sound when using the washer, the fix is simple: shut off the valve and inspect the washers in the house. Replace all worn out and cracked washers.

The squealing continues after this, it means the washer is not the problem. In this case, shut off the house water and contact a local plumber for tap repair or replacement. Chances are the washers of the tap, or the valve, are worn, forcing the water to pass through a smaller opening.

Common Scenarios

Credit: youtube.com, Don't Call the Plumber Yet: Common Causes of 6 Plumbing Noises

Have you ever noticed that your pipes make a knocking sound every time you flush the toilet? It's a common phenomenon, and it's not just your imagination. Pipes in your bathroom wall are making a knocking sound every time the toilet is flushed.

This is often caused by a sudden change in water pressure, which can be violent enough to shake the pipes loose of their joints and cause leaks. It's a good idea to check your pipes for any signs of damage or leaks.

Here are some common scenarios where you might experience this issue:

  • Pipes in your bathroom wall are making a knocking sound every time the toilet is flushed.
  • Knocking noise happens in the laundry room when the clothes washer finishes filling.
  • There’s a loud banging noise in the water pipes when the sprinkler system turns off.

Common Scenarios

Have you ever noticed a loud banging noise in your pipes when a toilet is flushed or a clothes washer finishes filling? This is a common scenario where the sudden stop of water flow creates a water hammer, causing the pipes to shake and make a knocking sound.

Pipes in your bathroom wall making a knocking sound every time the toilet is flushed is a classic example of water hammer. This is because the toilet's flush valve is suddenly shutting off, causing the water to crash into the valve.

Man Holding White Sack Filled With Pipes
Credit: pexels.com, Man Holding White Sack Filled With Pipes

Knocking noises in the laundry room are also a common occurrence, especially when the clothes washer finishes filling. This is because the sudden stop of water flow creates a water hammer, which can be loud enough to be heard throughout the house.

Here are some common scenarios where water hammer might occur:

  • Pipes in your bathroom wall making a knocking sound every time the toilet is flushed.
  • Knocking noise happens in the laundry room when the clothes washer finishes filling.
  • Loud banging noise in the water pipes when the sprinkler system turns off.

Does This Sound Familiar?

You know that moment when you're finally winding down after a long day, and you need a glass of water to relax? Unfortunately, turning on the tap can be like waking up a symphony orchestra, with a chorus of rattling sounds that can be pretty jarring.

Water pipes aren't meant to be loud and noisy, but sometimes they can be. In fact, one of the most common culprits behind this unwelcome din is water hammering. This phenomenon occurs when a water valve is suddenly shut off, causing the water to crash into the valve and create a knocking noise.

Credit: youtube.com, Does This Sound Familiar To You?

Loose piping and worn-out washers can also contribute to the noise, making it sound like your pipes are trying to communicate with you. And if you have a faulty main shut-off valve or a worn-out ballcock assembly, you might be in for a real treat – a cacophony of sounds that'll keep you on your toes.

Here are some common causes of loud pipes:

  • Water hammering
  • Loose piping
  • Worn-out washers
  • Faulty main shut-off valve
  • Worn-out ballcock assembly

Water Hammer

Water hammer is a common culprit behind noisy water pipes, especially after flushing the toilet. This phenomenon occurs when water rushes through pipes at high speed, only to be abruptly cut off, causing a loud bang or thud.

The sound of water hammer can be exacerbated by high pressure, which is why installing a PRV (pressure-reducing valve) can be an effective solution. This device reduces high pressure, making it less likely for water to slam against shut-off valves and cause noise.

Water hammer can also be caused by the sudden stop of water flow, which can be mitigated by installing water hammer arrestors. These devices have a spring-loaded shock absorber that cushions the force of the water, preventing pipes from rattling or hammering.

Here are some steps to help you identify and potentially fix water hammer:

  • Check your main water valve to see if there's another device on the other side.
  • Adjust your water heater if you notice high pressure coming from your hot water pipe.

Thud Sound When Turning Off Faucets

Credit: youtube.com, How to Fix Banging Pipes / Water Hammer

If your pipes make a thud when you turn off, hot or cold water, you might have a water hammer problem. This is the most common pipe noise caused by a pressure surge or wave when water is forced to stop or change direction suddenly.

New homes often have devices called water hammer arresters, which are air-filled chambers that allow the wave of pressure to dissipate. However, if you have an older home, you may need to try some troubleshooting steps.

To fix the thud sound, you'll need to drain out all the leftover water in the pipes. The best way to do this is by turning off the water to the house, finding the lowest faucet in your home, and opening it along with a few indoor faucets for 5 minutes.

This process will help to release the trapped water and air in the lines. Once you've done this, close the faucets again and turn the water back on to your home.

The thud sound should be gone after you've completed this process.

Water Hammering

Credit: youtube.com, The Phenomenon of Water Hammer

Water hammering is a common issue that can be caused by water rushing through your pipes at high speed. This can happen when you turn on a tap full force, and the water slams against the shut-off valve, causing a loud bang.

The sound of water hammering can be prevented or reduced by installing a PRV to reduce high pressure in your pipes. This device can make a big difference in minimizing the noise.

In older homes or homes without water hammer arresters, the air in the vertical riser behind each tap can be lost over time, leading to water hammering. This is because the unused energy from the rushing water needs to go somewhere, and without the air cushion, it can cause the pipes to rattle or hammer.

One simple fix for water hammering is to shut off the main water valve, turn on all the taps and draining in the house, and then refill the water. This will push air into the risers and help to stop the noise.

Here are some common causes of water hammering:

• High water pressure

• Loose piping

• Worn out washers

• Faulty main shut off valve

• Worn out ballcock assembly

By addressing these common culprits, you can help to prevent water hammering and keep your pipes quiet.

Tom Tate

Lead Writer

Tom Tate is a seasoned writer and editor, with years of experience creating compelling content for online audiences. He has a talent for distilling complex topics into clear and concise language that engages readers on a deep level. In addition to his writing skills, Tom is also an expert in digital marketing and web design.

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