Pipes Making Noise When Water is Turned On? 6 Steps to Fix It

When you hear strange banging or rattling sounds from your pipes the moment you turn on the water, it can be both scary and confusing. I’ve been there too. It sounded like someone was knocking inside the walls! But the good news is — this is a common issue and can be fixed easily. In this article, you’ll learn exactly why pipes make noise when the water is turned on, what’s causing it, and how you can stop it for good.

Find Out Where the Noise Is Coming From

Before you can fix the problem, you need to figure out where exactly the noise is coming from. This is the first and most important part. Try turning on the water in different rooms and listen closely. Is the sound coming from inside the wall? Under the floor? Near a faucet? This will help you know what part of the plumbing is affected.

Sometimes, the sound is a loud banging noise that happens just after you shut off the water. Other times, it might be a rattling or vibrating sound that starts the moment water begins to flow. Some people hear a squeaking or whistling sound, too. Each sound can mean a different problem.

If you have more than one level in your house, walk upstairs and turn on each faucet one at a time. Keep the house quiet so you can really hear where the sound starts. Don’t forget to flush the toilets and listen then too.

Write down where and when the noise happens. Does it happen in the kitchen? Only upstairs? Only when you use hot water? All these clues will help you find the cause and the best way to fix it.

Once you know where the noise is coming from, you can either fix it yourself or tell a plumber exactly what’s wrong. That can save time and money.

• Listen closely in a quiet house
• Try different faucets and toilets
• Take notes of where and when you hear the noise
• Check both hot and cold water
• Walk around to find the exact area

Check for Water Hammer Problems

One of the most common reasons for noisy pipes is something called a water hammer. This happens when water moving fast through your pipes suddenly stops, like when you turn off a faucet quickly. That pressure makes the pipes bang or thump. It can sound like someone hitting the wall with a hammer.

Your plumbing system should have air chambers or water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock. But over time, these air chambers can fill with water or stop working. When that happens, the pipes can’t handle the shock and make loud noises instead.

The good news is, this is usually an easy fix. First, try draining your entire plumbing system to reset the air chambers. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Turn off the main water valve to your home.
2. Open all faucets in your house — both upstairs and downstairs.
3. Let all the water drain out.
4. Flush toilets to remove any remaining water.
5. Once the water is gone, turn the main water valve back on.
6. Close each faucet starting from the lowest level of the house and moving up.

This will allow air to refill the chambers and stop the banging noise.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to install or replace water hammer arrestors. These are small devices that attach to your pipes to absorb the pressure. You can find them at most hardware stores and they’re not hard to install, especially if you have screw-on connections.

• Water hammer causes loud banging noise
• Happens when water flow stops suddenly
• Air chambers might be filled with water
• Drain all pipes to refill air chambers
• Add water hammer arrestors if needed

Tighten or Secure Loose Pipes

Sometimes pipes are not held tightly in place. When water moves through them, they vibrate or rattle against walls or wood. This is especially common in older homes where pipe straps have come loose or were never installed properly.

Go to the place where you hear the noise. If it’s under a sink or in the basement, see if you can gently move the pipe. If it wiggles or moves, it needs to be secured better.

You can fix this by using pipe straps or clips. These are small pieces that wrap around the pipe and screw into the wall or wood. They keep the pipe from shaking when water runs through it. Use rubber-lined straps if possible because they absorb the vibration and reduce the noise even more.

If you can’t reach the noisy pipes, like inside a wall, you might have to cut a small hole in the drywall to secure them. Or you can call a plumber who can check inside the walls with a camera.

It’s also possible that pipes have expanded and moved over time due to hot water use. Plastic or copper pipes can shift when they heat up. Making sure they are clipped properly and have space to expand helps solve the noise.

• Pipes rattle if they’re not secured well
• Use pipe straps or clips to hold them
• Rubber-lined clips reduce noise better
• Check if pipes move when touched
• Call a pro if pipes are inside walls

Look for High Water Pressure

High water pressure can cause many problems — including noisy pipes. When water moves through the plumbing too fast, it can cause whistling or banging sounds. It also wears out pipes and appliances faster.

You can test the water pressure using a small gauge you attach to a hose bib or laundry tap. Most homes should have water pressure between 40 and 60 psi. If it’s above 80 psi, that’s too high.

If your pressure is high, you can do two things:

1. Install a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) – This goes near your main water supply line. It lowers the pressure to a safe level and keeps it steady.
2. Adjust your existing PRV – If you already have one, a simple turn with a wrench might solve the issue.

Having the right pressure also helps your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater last longer. It keeps water from forcing its way through your pipes and causing noise.

In some areas, the city water comes in at high pressure. That’s not something you can control without a pressure valve.

• High pressure can cause banging or whistling
• Normal pressure is between 40 and 60 psi
• Use a pressure gauge to check it
• Install or adjust a pressure reducing valve
• Keeps water flow quiet and safe

Replace Worn-Out Washers or Faucets

Sometimes, the noise starts from the faucet itself. If you hear a high-pitched squeal or whine when turning on the water, it could be a worn-out washer, valve, or cartridge inside the faucet.

This happens most in older faucets. Over time, the rubber parts dry out or get damaged, causing them to vibrate when water passes through. That vibration creates a squeaky or whistling sound.

To fix this, first figure out which faucet is making the noise. Then shut off the water under the sink and take the faucet apart. Look for any worn rubber washers or damaged parts. You can usually buy a repair kit for your faucet model at the hardware store.

Sometimes, it’s easier to replace the whole faucet. New faucets are more efficient and make less noise.

Also check your toilets. The fill valve can also make noise when it wears out. If the noise is near a toilet after it flushes, the valve might need replacing.

• Noisy faucets often have bad washers or valves
• Squealing or whistling is common sign
• Turn off water before repairs
• Replace worn parts or full faucet
• Check toilets for noisy fill valves

Insulate Pipes to Stop Vibrations

When water flows through pipes, especially hot water, the pipe expands a little and might rub against other materials — wood, drywall, metal. That rubbing makes noise, especially in tight spots or corners.

Adding insulation around the pipes can stop this from happening. You can buy foam pipe insulation at the store. It looks like a long tube with a slit down one side. Just open it, wrap it around the pipe, and press it closed.

Pipe insulation is also great for keeping hot water hot and preventing frozen pipes in winter. But one of the best uses is to stop those annoying rubbing or ticking sounds.

If your pipes are inside a wall, you may need to open the wall or call a plumber to help insulate the pipes inside.

Don’t forget to check under sinks and in the basement or crawl space. These are common places for pipes to make noise.

• Pipes can rub and make sound when expanding
• Use foam insulation to wrap around pipes
• Helps reduce vibration and ticking sounds
• Also keeps water hotter and prevents freezing
• Use in open areas or call pro for wall access

Final Thoughts

Hearing your pipes make noise when you turn on the water can be scary at first, but most of the time it’s not a big problem. Whether it’s a water hammer, loose pipe, or worn-out washer, there’s always a simple fix. Don’t ignore the sounds — fixing them early can save you bigger problems later. Now you know how to listen, check, and fix the noise with easy steps.

Cause of Noise	How to Fix
Water hammer	Drain system or install arrestors
Loose pipes	Secure with pipe straps
High water pressure	Install or adjust pressure valve
Worn-out faucet parts	Replace washers or faucet
Pipe rubbing or ticking	Use foam pipe insulation
Unknown source of noise	Check each faucet, listen closely, call plumber

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it dangerous if my pipes make noise?

No, most pipe noises are not dangerous. But they can be a sign that something is wrong. Ignoring them might lead to water leaks or broken pipes later. Loud banging, for example, could mean water hammer, which adds pressure to the plumbing. If left alone, it might damage connections or valves. It’s best to find the cause early and fix it. Your home will be quieter, and your plumbing will last longer.

Can high water pressure damage my pipes?

Yes, high water pressure can damage your pipes over time. When water flows too fast, it puts stress on joints and seals. This can lead to leaks or burst pipes. It also makes appliances like your washing machine and water heater wear out faster. If you hear loud noises or feel strong water bursts, check your pressure using a gauge. Installing a pressure valve can solve this and keep your pipes safe.

Do I need a plumber to fix noisy pipes?

Not always. Many noise problems, like securing loose pipes or draining air chambers, can be fixed by a homeowner. You just need simple tools and a little time. But if the noise is coming from inside a wall or you’re not sure what’s causing it, calling a plumber is a good idea. A professional has tools like pipe cameras to see inside your walls and fix the issue without guessing.

Is it normal for pipes to make noise when using hot water?

Yes, it can be. Hot water makes pipes expand, especially if they’re plastic or copper. This can cause them to rub against walls, wood, or other pipes. That rubbing makes ticking or clicking sounds. It’s usually harmless but can be annoying. You can wrap the pipes with foam insulation to stop the noise. If it gets worse, it might be a loose pipe that needs to be secured.

Can air in the pipes cause noise?

Yes, trapped air can make pipes sound weird. You might hear gurgling, bubbling, or knocking. Air can get in if there’s been a plumbing repair, water shutoff, or broken valve. To fix this, open all faucets and let the water run for a few minutes. This helps push the air out. If it keeps happening, a plumber can check for the root cause and fix it.

Do I need to replace old faucets to stop the noise?

Sometimes yes. Older faucets have rubber washers and valves that wear out over time. These can vibrate when water flows, causing squealing or whistling noises. Replacing those parts often stops the sound. But if your faucet is really old or leaking, it might be smarter to replace the whole thing. Newer faucets are quieter and use less water too.

Is it expensive to fix pipe noises?

Usually not. Many fixes are cheap or even free — like draining the system to stop water hammer or using straps to secure pipes. Foam insulation also costs just a few dollars. If you need a plumber, the cost depends on the repair. Finding and fixing the issue early can prevent bigger, costlier problems like leaks or pipe bursts.

Can pipe noise damage my home?

Not right away, but over time yes. Noise is often a warning. Banging pipes from water hammer can loosen joints. Loose pipes can hit walls and wear down materials. Leaking pipes from high pressure can damage floors or walls. The sound itself won’t harm anything, but the cause of the sound might. Fixing the noise is also fixing the cause, which protects your home.