Pipes Making Noise When Water is Turned Off? Fix It in 6 Steps

Have you ever heard a loud banging or knocking sound from your pipes when you turn off the water? I did too—and it scared me at first. The noise came suddenly, almost like someone hit the wall. It turns out, there’s a real reason behind it, and fixing it doesn’t always need a plumber. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to stop pipes from making noise when water is turned off. These are easy steps anyone can do, even if you’ve never fixed a pipe before.

Check for Water Hammer and Fix It Gently

If you hear a loud banging or knocking sound when you shut off the water, you might be dealing with something called “water hammer.” This happens when the flow of water is stopped too quickly, and the pressure has nowhere to go. That sudden stop causes a shock wave, which makes your pipes shake or bang.

This sound might happen more in homes with older pipes, but even new homes can have it. I once lived in a newer apartment, and I still heard it when I turned off the washing machine or even the kitchen sink. It turns out the water pressure was too strong, and the pipes didn’t have any cushion to handle the sudden stop.

One easy fix is to drain your plumbing system to reset the air chambers in your pipes. Here’s how:

• First, turn off the main water valve to your house.
• Then, open all faucets in your home. Start from the top floor and go down to the basement.
• Let all the water drain out.
• Once everything is drained, turn the water back on slowly.

This process lets air fill the vertical air chambers in your pipes again, which helps absorb shock and reduces noise.

If this doesn’t help, another fix is installing a water hammer arrestor. It’s a small device that you can attach near the noisy appliance or faucet. You don’t always need a plumber for this. If you’re comfortable with small repairs, you can buy one at a hardware store and follow the instructions.

Another cause could be your water pressure being too high. High pressure causes water to stop with too much force. You can check this with a water pressure gauge, which is cheap and easy to use. If it’s over 60 psi, you may want to install a pressure-reducing valve.

Also, check if certain appliances like dishwashers or washing machines are the main cause. These often stop water quickly, which can cause water hammer. Adding an arrestor to the water line connected to these appliances might solve the issue.

Things to try:

• Drain your plumbing system
• Check water pressure (aim for 50-60 psi)
• Add water hammer arrestors near noisy appliances
• Install a pressure-reducing valve if needed
• Turn off taps slowly, not suddenly

Secure Loose Pipes Inside the Walls

Another big reason pipes make noise is because they’re loose. When water flows and suddenly stops, those pipes can shake or move inside the walls, especially if they’re not tied down properly. That movement is what makes the loud clanging or banging sound.

In many homes, pipes are held in place with brackets or clamps. But over time, those brackets can come loose, or maybe the plumber didn’t secure them tightly enough when the home was built. This can cause pipes to hit walls or other pipes when the water shuts off.

The hard part is, most pipes are inside the walls or under the floors, so you can’t see them. But there are still ways to check.

If you can hear exactly where the noise is coming from, that helps. Try turning water off and listening carefully to where the sound is loudest. Is it behind a bathroom wall? Near the kitchen sink? Once you know the area, you can look for an access panel or a way to reach the pipes.

In places like under the sink, behind the toilet, or near the water heater, you can usually see the pipes. Gently touch them and see if they move. If they do, that’s a sign they need better support.

Use pipe clamps or foam pipe insulation to secure them. Foam insulation is great because it helps reduce vibration and sound. Just cut a piece, wrap it around the pipe, and hold it in place with tape or zip ties.

If the noisy pipe is behind a wall, you may need to cut a small hole in the drywall to reach it. If you’re not comfortable with that, a plumber can help. But often, just tightening visible pipes and supporting them well makes a huge difference.

What you can do:

• Listen for where the sound is loudest
• Check pipes under sinks, behind toilets
• Use clamps or foam to secure pipes
• Call a plumber if the noise is inside a wall and you can’t reach it

Reduce the Water Pressure

High water pressure may sound like a good thing, but it can actually cause a lot of damage and noise. When the pressure is too strong, it makes water rush through pipes at a high speed. When that flow suddenly stops, the force hits the pipe walls and causes noise.

This was the issue in my friend’s home. She kept hearing loud banging after flushing the toilet or turning off the tap. After checking with a pressure gauge, we found out her water pressure was over 80 psi—which is way too high.

You can check your own water pressure with a small pressure gauge. You screw it onto an outdoor faucet or any threaded faucet inside. Turn on the water, and it shows your pressure level. A safe range is between 50 and 60 psi. Anything above 70 can cause problems.

If your pressure is too high, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can help. Many homes already have one installed, usually near the main water shut-off. You can adjust the pressure using a wrench and a little trial and error. Turn the screw slightly counterclockwise to lower pressure.

If you don’t have a PRV, you might consider installing one. It’s best to have a plumber do it unless you’re comfortable with pipe work. But even small pressure changes can help reduce noise and extend the life of your pipes and appliances.

Things to do:

• Use a gauge to test pressure
• Ideal pressure is 50–60 psi
• Adjust or install a PRV
• Lower pressure slowly to avoid new issues
• Check pressure regularly, especially in older homes

Bleed Air Out of the Pipes

Sometimes, the noise comes from air trapped in your pipes. When air and water mix, it creates bubbles that make loud gurgling or hammering sounds, especially when you turn off a faucet.

This usually happens if you’ve had recent plumbing work, a leak, or the water has been turned off for a while. The trapped air moves through the pipes and causes vibration or sharp noises.

Bleeding the air out of the system is simple. You just need to let the water run through all the pipes in your home.

Here’s how to do it:

• Open the highest faucet in your home (like the one in the upstairs bathroom).
• Then open the lowest faucet (like in the basement or first floor).
• Let both run for about 10–15 minutes.
• While water runs, the air should escape.

You can also do this room by room, turning on all the taps, showerheads, and flush all the toilets. This helps push out any trapped air bubbles.

If the noise is only happening in one room, focus on that room first. For example, if it’s the kitchen, just run hot and cold water from that sink for a few minutes.

This fix is easy, cheap, and often works instantly. But if air keeps coming back, you might have a small leak or an issue with your water heater pulling in air.

Tips to try:

• Let water run from top to bottom faucets
• Flush toilets and run all taps
• Run both hot and cold water
• Watch for bubbles or air spurts
• If air returns, check for leaks or water heater issues

Check for Valve Problems or Quick-Shut Faucets

Some types of valves or faucets can cause noise when water shuts off fast. This is very common with modern taps and appliances that have quick-closing valves, like dishwashers and washing machines.

These valves close fast to save water, but they don’t allow pressure to drop slowly. That sudden close is what causes the hammering sound.

If the noise always happens when you shut off a certain faucet, that one may be the problem. Try turning the valve off slower or see if replacing it with a softer-shut version helps.

Appliances can also cause noise. For example, washing machines use solenoid valves that snap closed. Adding a water hammer arrestor to the line going into the machine can help. It absorbs the pressure before it hits the pipes.

If you recently installed a new tap or valve and noticed the noise started afterward, that’s likely the cause. Some new faucets are made with quick-close features that don’t work well with older plumbing.

In this case, switching to a different faucet model or adding cushioning like arrestors or pressure reducers can fix the issue.

Things to check:

• Do you have new taps or valves?
• Do appliances make noise when shutting off?
• Try turning valves slowly
• Add arrestors to noisy faucets or machines
• Replace quick-close valves with softer ones

Look at Your Water Heater

The water heater can sometimes be the secret cause of pipe noise. If the noise happens when using hot water, the issue might come from inside the heater or how it connects to the rest of your pipes.

One common problem is sediment build-up. Over time, minerals from hard water collect at the bottom of the heater. When the water heats, it bubbles through that sediment, creating popping or banging sounds. These sounds can travel through your pipes and make it seem like a hammering problem.

To fix this, you can flush the heater:

• Turn it off and let it cool down.
• Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom.
• Let the water drain out completely.
• Then, turn the cold water on for a few minutes to rinse out remaining sediment.

Another issue is thermal expansion. When hot water expands, it pushes back into the cold water lines, which can cause loud bangs if there’s no room for that pressure. You can install an expansion tank to fix this. It gives the water extra space to go instead of hitting your pipes.

Lastly, the shut-off valve near the water heater can also cause problems if it’s a quick-closing type or partially shut. Make sure it’s fully open and working properly.

What to look into:

• Sediment in the tank
• Noises only when using hot water
• Flush the heater regularly
• Install an expansion tank
• Check shut-off valve position

Final Thoughts

Hearing your pipes make noise when the water shuts off can be scary, but most of the time, the fix is simple. Whether it’s water hammer, loose pipes, or high pressure, each problem has a solution you can try yourself. Start with the easiest fixes, and you’ll likely find what works best for your home. A quiet home is a happy home, and your plumbing should be too.

Problem	Fix
Water hammer	Drain system, install arrestor, reduce pressure
Loose pipes	Add foam insulation or clamps
High water pressure	Use gauge, adjust PRV, aim for 50–60 psi
Trapped air	Run water from all taps, flush lines
Valve or faucet noise	Replace fast-closing valves, install arrestors
Water heater issues	Flush sediment, install expansion tank, check shut-off valve

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it dangerous if pipes make noise when water turns off?

No, it’s usually not dangerous, but it can become a problem if ignored. That banging sound means there’s pressure or movement happening inside your plumbing. Over time, that pressure can damage joints, loosen brackets, or even cause leaks. So while it won’t hurt you, it could harm your home if left untreated. Fixing it early helps avoid big repair bills later on.

Can I fix noisy pipes without a plumber?

Yes, in many cases you can fix noisy pipes yourself. Simple things like draining the system, lowering the water pressure, or installing a water hammer arrestor don’t require special tools. You just need a bit of time and patience. If the noise is coming from inside the wall or near the water heater, and you’re unsure, it’s okay to call a plumber.

Do I need special tools to stop pipe noises?

No special tools are needed for most fixes. You might use a pressure gauge, a wrench, or pipe clamps—most of which are affordable and easy to find. For draining the plumbing, you only need to open taps and shut off the main valve. A few fixes like installing an expansion tank may need a plumber if you’re not comfortable.

Is it okay to ignore the banging sound?

It’s not a good idea to ignore it. The noise can mean too much pressure, loose pipes, or even trapped air. Over time, these small issues can grow into leaks or broken pipes. Fixing the noise now is often simple and cheap. Waiting too long might mean expensive repairs in the future. It’s always better to handle it early.

Can my washing machine cause the noise?

Yes, many washing machines have fast-closing valves that stop water quickly. This sudden stop creates pressure that hits the pipes, causing that banging noise. Installing a water hammer arrestor on the water line going to the washer usually helps. It’s an easy and affordable fix that stops the pressure from shaking your pipes.

Do I need to lower the water pressure?

If your pressure is above 60 psi, lowering it can help a lot. High water pressure not only causes noise, but it also puts stress on pipes, faucets, and appliances. Using a pressure gauge, you can test it yourself. Adjusting a pressure-reducing valve is often all it takes to solve the issue and protect your plumbing.

Is it safe to flush my water heater?

Yes, it’s safe and recommended at least once a year. Flushing removes sediment that builds up inside the tank. That sediment causes banging noises, lowers heating performance, and can even damage the heater. You only need a hose and a bucket. If you’re unsure how to do it, a plumber can help, but it’s a simple task to learn.

Do I need to replace any pipes?

Not usually. Most pipe noise comes from pressure, movement, or air—not damaged pipes. Only in rare cases, if your pipes are old, corroded, or leaking, might they need to be replaced. Try the simple fixes first. If the noise continues and you see signs of damage, then replacing a small section might help.