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Plumbing

Whining / squealing noisy pipes in first floor flat - any ideas?!

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.07 PM

I am currently experiencing some serious ‘pipe noise’ in my first floor flat and really need some advice! Basically, there is a loud whining / whirring / screaming sound coming from the water pipes in the wall (I think in the bathroom - but can’t locate it exactly and it sounds throughout the flat!). It starts every morning at around 6am. Goes on for several hours almost continuously until around 9-10am. And then intermittently throughout the day - though to a lesser severity. What is confusing is that the noise starts when no water is being used in the property and nothing I do in the flat eg opening taps etc..will make it stop. We have communal tanks on the roof that feed the cold water in the bathrooms and I have a combi boiler (all working fine and recently serviced) which supplies the flat. Does anyone know what this noise could be? Whether it could be being caused by neighbouring flats? And most of all - how to fix it!? It is driving us mad!! We have had the kitchen taps and the shower valves replaced but this hasn’t helped. Weirdly it did this last year for several months - then appeared to improve and all noises stopped for 4/5 months - only to return now with a vengeance. Any help/advice or suggestions much appreciated. Thanks!

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4 Answers

Tailored Plumbing & Heating (UK) Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sydenham, London

Dear Becky_28 From what you have explained it appears to be an issue originating from the main supply. It could be the ball valve in the communal tank, which is mains fed. If the ball valve is letting-by or not operational, it will allow water to pass through the valve when it should be closed. This will cause loud noises throughout your flat and other flats. Your landlord may only have carried out an inspection and not a service. It would be a good idea to check with your neighbours to query if they are experiencing the same noises too. All the best. Tailored Plumbing & Heating UK®

Answered22 May 2023

HEATME LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5

St Lukes, London

Is your heating ON while this noise occurs? Sometimes radiator TRVs can make a noise when the heating is ON.

Answered22 May 2023

Eterna Solutions Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Plaistow, London

Dear Becky, it is recommended that you have the problem inspected by a professional for a proper diagnosis. The noise in the pipes can be due to several technical reasons. Some of the common causes (that may or may not apply to you) that usually cause this issue are below: 1) Cause - One of the most common reasons is the loose/no brackets that hold pipes in place. Due to this reason, the pipes vibrate and shake against hard surfaces when water passes through them and in the process make a loud sound. Solution - One way to tackle this issue is by tightening the brackets and clamps and also by insulating the floors/walls properly. 2) Cause - Another common potential cause in some homes can be high water pressure. Due to this, the pipes that are unable to handle the pressure vibrate each time someone uses water, thus also causing the clips/brackets to go loose. The solution for this problem can be to check and regulate high pressure (if there is) and tighten the clips. Hope this helped. Good luck.

Answered22 May 2023

Anonymous user

Hi Becky, sounds like your experiencing what the trade calls (water hammer) which is probably caused by your communal tank ball valve but may just be high pressure its best to get a good plumber in to diagnose.. one way to test if its the communal tank issue is to run the tap thats connected to the tank supply you may have to leave this on for a while to take effect as we are talking large amounts of water before the ball valve will move to stop the noise good luck.

Answered22 May 2023