How can I get rid off humming and vibrating noises in the water pipes?

Question

I have on and off vibrating and humming sound coming from the water pipes in my bathroom. The noise stops whenever we turn on the faucet in the bathroom sink. We can also hear the sound coming from behind the refridgerator in the kitchen. My refridgerator is the kind that dispenses water. How can we stop the noise? By the way, we did have a loose toilet in that bathroom which was fixed not so long ago. And my house is only 6 yrs. old.

Answer 1

What you are describing is water hammer. Quick opening valves, ie: washing machines, ice makers, etc., open and close very fast. When water is flowing, and the valve shuts, a shock wave is created inside the pipe, and any loose piping is going to rattle. There should be some pipes, at the highest point in your water system, the stand straight up, and they are capped off. These are air chambers. There should be some air trapped inside of these pipes, that acts as a cushion, for the water to push against. Over a period of time, the water is pushed out, and needs to be replaced. Turn off the main water valve, and open all the faucets in the house. This drains the water out, and allows air in to the pipes, thus replenishing the air in the air chambers. Now turn off all the faucets, and turn the main water back on. This should alleviate the problem. This should be done as needed, or every few years. Good luck!

Answer 2

Vibrating Water Pipes

Answer 3

I know this is an old post, however, we were experiencing the same issues. The pipes vibrated loud when we would run water for awhile. I searched all over for answers on line. Had a plumber here for another issue and asked him about it, and I never found the correct answer. So, now that we solved the problem of the vibrating pipes I wanted to share the easy fix. Noticed the toilet tank sounded like it started a drip and the inside looked like it needed new parts. $20 for a tank rebuild kit and maybe 20 minutes, NO more vibrating pipes. I hope this helps someone.

Answer 4

Hi,
I've been researching this answer because my next door neighbors house does the same thing, but the noise is soooo loud that it it driving me nuts. There seems to be a series of answers for solving this problem. First of all it does not seem like hammer-nock where the shutting of a valve quickly causes the pipes to bang because of abrupt pressure in the pipes.
It does seem as if some people cure this humming problem by reducing the water pressure in the house at the pressure regulator. If the regulator is worn out or is wearing, the water pressure in the house will start to increase causing turbulence around gaskets and at constrictions at valves. The turbulence causes sound waves to travel throughout the pipes, just like the old string and two cans telephone of our child hood. Each time a pipe comes in contact with a fixture or stud or wall the sound is amplified to a loud hum. Sometimes the hum ocures when there are no valves open (sinks running or toilet flushing or bath or shower flowing) but there are other valves which operate without us knowing such as the RO unit, the ice maker, the water softner, the washing machine ,sprinkler system etc.
The easiest thing to do to test the system is to reduce water pressure at the pressure regulator (turn counterclockwise) and check for problem. If the sound stops but returns slowly chances are the regulator is bad. If that fails isolate each appliance and fixture by shutting valves off, when the noise stops chances are youv'e found the faulty valve. Last resort is to call the city and have them check at the water meter which might be faulty.
If all else fails turn off all the water in the house and decide to live in a desert environment!

Answer 5

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RE:
How can I get rid off humming and vibrating noises in the water pipes?
I have on and off vibrating and humming sound coming from the water pipes in my bathroom. The noise stops whenever we turn on the faucet in the bathroom sink. We can also hear the sound coming from behind the refridgerator in the kitchen. My refridgerator is the kind that dispenses water. How can...

Answer 6

There could be many reasons for water pipes vibration. I feel lucky today so I won't beat around the bush and take a stab at the real culprit.

Your fridge has a water inlet and a valve that automatically keeps the water level constant in the ice-making / water dispensing reservoir. Much like a toilet reservoir valve.
This valve is making the noise (chatters) vhen it is slowly closing. Opening a tap nearby drops the water pressure in the pipes and the fridge valve closes fully.

You can confirm or disprove this: do not use ice or cold water from your fridge for a day or two. If the vibration stops, replace the fridge valve.

Answer 7

Go to the Hardware Store and ask for a length of expandable metal tubing ( it is like a concertina hose). Explain the problem and They will know what You want. It relieves the back pressure in Your pipes.

Answer 8

It sounds like when your house was built, they didn't properly secure the pipe to anything. They may have been secure, so don't call your contractor screaming. But over the period of time of settling, they could have come loose. Check in the basement/crawl space or whatever you may have and see if this is the problem.

Answer 9

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Sounds like the ball-cock valve needs replaced on the cold tank.

Answer 10

it may be one pipe or your whole pipe line, check out what type of line you have, get some one to look at it, if you do not know how to tell, this could be serious ,or just one pipe.