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Why Are My Pipes Making a Banging Noise? | Revelation Plumbing Pittsburgh
- revelationplumbing5
- May 19
- 3 min read
Why Are My Pipes Making a Banging Noise? | Revelation Plumbing Pittsburgh
Do you hear a loud banging, clanging, or knocking sound coming from your pipes whenever you turn off the faucet, flush a toilet, or use your washing machine? You’re not alone. At Revelation Plumbing, one of the most common complaints we hear from Pittsburgh homeowners is:“Why are my pipes making that loud banging noise?”
This sound may seem harmless at first, but it can be a sign of underlying issues in your plumbing system—and ignoring it could lead to costly damage.
Let’s break down what’s causing it and what you can do about it.
🔊 What Is That Banging Sound in My Pipes?
The banging or hammering sound in your plumbing system is commonly referred to as “water hammer.” It happens when water flowing through your pipes suddenly stops or changes direction, causing a shockwave that rattles the pipes. You’ll usually hear it when:
A washing machine or dishwasher abruptly shuts off
A fast-closing valve like a toilet fill valve closes
You turn off a faucet quickly
This sudden stop in momentum causes the water to slam into the pipe walls or valves, creating that loud banging sound.
🚨 Is Water Hammer Dangerous?
It can be.
If left unaddressed, water hammer can cause:
Loose pipes behind walls
Damaged pipe joints and fittings
Leaking or burst pipes over time
Damage to appliances or valves
Think of it like a mini car crash happening inside your walls—over and over again. That repeated force adds up.
🔍 Common Causes of Pipe Banging in Pittsburgh Homes
1. Water Hammer (The Most Common Cause)
As mentioned above, this is due to a sudden stop in water flow. Homes built before the 1970s often had air chambers to absorb this pressure, but over time those chambers can fill with water and stop working.
2. Loose or Poorly Secured Pipes
Pipes should be secured with clips or brackets to prevent them from moving. If your home has older or poorly installed plumbing, those pipes may be knocking against studs, drywall, or other pipes.
3. High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure can strain your entire system and make water hammer worse. The ideal range is 40-60 psi for most homes. Anything above 80 psi can be a serious issue.
4. Fast-Acting Valves
Newer appliances with fast-closing valves (like dishwashers and washing machines) can shut off water flow too abruptly, causing banging or hammering.
5. Worn-out Shutoff Valves or Faucets
Sometimes, old or defective fixtures cause turbulence in the pipes when turned off or on, leading to vibration and noise.
🛠️ How to Fix Banging Pipes
If your pipes are making noise, here’s what a professional plumber may do:
✅ Install or Recharge Water Hammer Arrestors
Modern arrestors use a spring-loaded piston or air bladder to absorb pressure spikes. We install these behind appliances or valves prone to water hammer.
✅ Secure Loose Pipes
We’ll inspect your plumbing system (especially behind walls or under floors) to ensure all pipes are properly anchored.
✅ Test & Adjust Water Pressure
We’ll measure your home’s water pressure and, if needed, install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to bring it to a safe level.
✅ Replace Old Valves or Fixtures
Noisy pipes may be a symptom of an old, worn-out shutoff valve or toilet fill valve that needs to be replaced.
🧰 Can I Fix Water Hammer Myself?
In some cases, yes.
Here are a couple of quick DIY tricks:
Turn off your home’s main water supply. Open all faucets and let the water drain out. This can allow air chambers to reset. Then, slowly turn the water back on.
Install screw-on water hammer arrestors on your washing machine or dishwasher hoses. These are easy to install and often reduce the noise.
That said, if the problem persists—or if you’re hearing banging from behind walls—it’s best to call a professional.
🏡 Why This Happens
More in Pittsburgh Homes
Older homes in Pittsburgh (especially those in areas like Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and the North Hills) often have outdated plumbing systems with copper or galvanized pipes, little to no pipe insulation, and no modern water hammer protection.
Plus, Pittsburgh’s high-pressure municipal water system can worsen the issue—especially in elevated neighborhoods or homes on hillsides.
👨🔧 Call Revelation Plumbing: Pittsburgh’s Pipe Noise Experts
We know how annoying—and concerning—it is to hear strange banging sounds from your plumbing system. At Revelation Plumbing, we’ve helped hundreds of Pittsburgh homeowners quiet their pipes, protect their homes, and sleep better at night.
We’ll diagnose the cause, offer real solutions, and give you honest pricing with no pressure.