How to fix noisy pipes in your home

"Water hammer is that loud banging noise you hear when you turn a tap off quickly. It's caused by long runs of pipework where the water at the far end stops instantly when you shut off a quarter-turn tap, but the water further back in the pipe is still travelling forward, creating that hammering sound. The most effective solution is to avoid excessive single lengths of pipework when designing a system."

"If your pipes are making noise when the water is turned on, don't panic; you are not alone. It's not an uncommon occurrence when taps are turned on or a heating system kicks in. Most of the time, banging, rattling and whistling pipes are not a big issue. However, noisy pipes can indicate problems that need attention. Radiators not heating up properly and spluttering taps can be caused from air in the system."

Water hammer causes loud banging when taps are shut off quickly due to sudden pressure changes along long pipe runs. Air trapped in heating systems leads to spluttering taps and cold spots in radiators. Installing non-return valves, shock arresters, or redesigning pipe runs reduces water hammer risk. Simpler fixes include changing abrupt quarter-turn taps, securing loose pipe clips, bleeding radiators, and addressing high pressure or limescale buildup. Call a professional if noises persist, radiators remain cold after bleeding, leaks appear, or pressure problems continue despite basic interventions.

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