Have you ever heard loud banging, knocking, or thudding sounds coming from your pipes during winter? Before you panic, there’s not a ghost in your pipes! Rather, these sounds are a symptom of the pressure changes and freezing temperatures that come with winter weather in the Chicago area. When you hear these noises, it’s important to act quickly, as loud banging or knocking sounds can point to frozen pipes or mechanical strain that can lead to plumbing failures and water damage in your home.
In this guide, our plumbers at Goode Plumbing cover what causes pipes to bang and what you should do if you hear these concerning sounds.
What Causes Pipes To Bang During Chicago Winters?
Rapid Temperature Drops
Metal pipes expand when heated and shrink when cooled, so rapid temperature drops and swings can place a lot of strain on your plumbing pipes. As your pipes shift and expand or contract, they can knock up against framing, joints, or other pipes, which causes the knocking or banging sounds you are hearing.
Water Hammer
Water hammer refers to when flowing water stops abruptly, which then sends a pressure shock through your plumbing systems. This shockwave can result in a loud banging sound. This problem becomes more likely to occur during the winter months as a result of higher demand on water heaters and increased pressure fluctuations.
Loose or Worn Pipe Straps
Your pipes should be secured in place with straps or brackets. This prevents them from moving, shifting, and clanging into other pipes when water runs through them. However, these straps or brackets can loosen over time, which can lead to rhythmic thudding or knocking noises as the pipes hit against walls or each other.
High Water Pressure
When the water pressure entering your home becomes too high, it can cause pipes to slam or vibrate whenever water is flowing through them. While we want decent water pressure for our appliances, fixtures, and showers, too high water pressure is actually dangerous. It accelerates wear on your plumbing system and increases the risks of leaks and other plumbing failures.
Freezing Pipes & Ice Blockages
Chicago winters frequently see below-freezing temperatures that can cause pipes to freeze and ice to build up in them. When this happens, water flow is restricted and the pressure in the pipes increases. This pressure buildup can lead to banging sounds as the pipes strain against the ice. If not addressed quickly, frozen pipes can also burst and cause significant water damage.
Costly Damages Caused by Loud Pipes
While no homeowner enjoys dealing with plumbing problems, it’s important to not ignore any banging sounds you hear from your pipes. These noises point to issues within your plumbing system that can cause significant and costly damage if not addressed, such as:
- Hidden leaks: Undetected leaks can waste significant amounts of water and drive up your utility costs. The increased moisture can also lead to mold growth and property damage.
- Burst pipes: When pipes freeze or pressure builds up in them, they can burst. This leads to water damage, potential flooding, and the need for pipe repairs or replacements.
- Stress on sewer and drain lines: Your sewer and drain lines are responsible for removing wastewater from your home, but winter creates significant risks for cracks or backups that can disrupt your plumbing system.
Troubleshooting Steps for Noisy Pipes
If you hear loud banging, knocking, or thudding sounds coming from your pipes, try these troubleshooting steps to address the problem:
- Check your water pressure: Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet and check if your pressure falls between 40-60 PSI. Anything higher than that will require professional attention.
- Inspect pipes: Take a look at any exposed pipes to see if they are loose or wiggling. Take note of any that are and let a professional plumber know.
- Note when the noise happens: Pay attention to the sounds you are hearing and when they are happening. Note if the banging sounds happen when using hot water, when temperatures drop, or any other scenario.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Foam sleeves can help prevent pipes from freezing and reduce the sounds from temperature expansions and contractions.
- Thaw frozen pipes: If your pipes have just started to freeze, gently thaw them with a hairdryer or space heater. For more frozen pipes, call a plumber right away.
If you are unable to pinpoint the cause of your noisy pipes, it’s time to call a professional. Many banging pipes point to urgent plumbing problems, so schedule emergency plumbing repairs as soon as possible.
When To Call Goode Plumbing
Most loud pipe noises point to problems that are best addressed by a professional plumber, such as loose pipe fittings, too high water pressure, and banging pipes. At Goode Plumbing, our team is here for you 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call us at the first sign of plumbing problems. We understand the strain that Chicago winters place on plumbing systems, so we act quickly to protect your home and restore your peace of mind.
Contact Goode Plumbing today to schedule plumbing repairs in the Chicagoland area.
