How to Quiet Noisy Water Pipes

Noisy water pipes may seem daunting, but you can often fix the problem at its source.

Step 1: Fix banging noise
Lower your water pressure at your main water line if you hear a banging noise when you turn off a faucet. The banging is the result of a shock wave moving along the water line.

Tip
Consider installing a pressure-reducing valve with the pressure set no higher than 60 psi if you hear banging.

Step 2: [Solve creaking or cracking noise
Place insulation around a noisy water pipe if you hear a creaking or cracking sound when you use hot water. Copper water pipes expand when hot water passes through them, causing them to rub against wooden framing and support brackets.

Step 3: Fix whistling noise
Replace the washer or repair the faucet valve seat if you hear a whistling noise coming from a faucet. Whistling is caused by water passing through a restricted area.

Step 4: Quiet a rattling noise
Cushion the water pipe or strap it down if you hear a rattling sound. Rattling is due to poorly secured water pipes.

Did You Know?
The first American waterworks, which were built in Boston in 1652, used pipes made of hollow wooden logs.

[jamesmorrissey]

You can't use galvanized steel against copper. It causes both metals to become corroded.

[RC_Cola]

Wish it had included examples of the sounds...

[risahu]

20 years ago they changed the furnace in the building were I live, and that's when noise started. It's a hum noise, and it's always the same note = D (I am a musician)
The landlord is ignoring my complaints, I tried ear plugs but this vicious hum noise goes through the best ear plugs. Do you have an idea on how I can eliminate this crazy hum?
Thank you

[Ace-lsyl]

Call a plumber.
Plumbers rule.
Plumbers are handsome!

[xiaogelunbu]

i can watch youtube videos in china again!

[juanitagarrett]

just surround it with flex glue seal and tape

[packleader]

I bet they could of just said "Get some fucking insulation" and this would of been a shorter video