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Plumbing

Water pipe rumbling

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.02 PM

Moved into a house and recently discovered that whenever any of the showers are turned on there is a rumbling sound that last about 1 - 2mins. I initially thought the water pump could be the cause, so I had that insulated, but problem not solved. I checked the pipes in the hot water tank cupboard and 1 particular cold water pipe seems to reduce in sound if touched when this rumbling noise is happening. Although it last only 2mins, it is quite loud and certainly will wake you up if someone is having a shower. This only happen when the shower in the loft conversion, ensuite or mixer tap shower in the bathroom is turned on, all which are on the middle and top floors. We don't get the same noise when using cold water in the kitchen, utility room or downstairs toilet, or just running cold water in the bathrooms. The noise is only when the showers are turned on for use. Anyone able to advise on what could cause this?

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3 Answers

Maine plumbing and tiling

Rating: 5 out of 5

Cheltenham

It maybe water hammer, I.e. loose pipework. Try holding some of the visible pipes in the airing cupboards or other places to see if this reduces the noise 🤔. If so buy a couple of clips from your hardware store and put them in the place where you were holding the pipes. Good luck.

Answered11 December 2021

RNT Property Limited

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Braintree

If its an F&E setup, the cold main that feeds the header tank may be transmitting the sound from the float valve as its filling up and shutting off. When the pipe is touched it would dampen the sound as it would be transferring the vibrations to you touching it. Hope this helps.

Answered14 November 2021

Anonymous user

As pipes heat up they expand then contract as they cool. Pipes that haven't been properly lagged can rub against joists when heating and cooling, causing vibrations; similar to what your describing.

Answered15 November 2021