Noise In Water Pipes

[starone]

When I turn any of my taps on after a couple of minutes running they make a loud noise. I have been told there is air in the pipes but no-one seems to know how to get rid of it. Any suggestions please? Is it dangerous i.e. likely to burst pipes or anything like that?

[The Builder]

Sounds more like water hammer, Starry. When a tap is open, the pressure is released. When you close it, that pressure makes the whole system shudder.

Either the mains pressure could do with reducing, or you may have to have an "arrestor" fitted. Simple job, it would take a plumber 10 minutes to fit one somewhere.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[The Builder]

Not dangerous at all. No pipe bursting, but the constant mechanical bashing could eventually strain a joint somewhere.

Sounds a lot worse than it really is.

[catgullyarha]

I think you will find it is called water hammer and there are solutions on web pages if you just type in WATER HAMMER.S It's not dangerous just annoying. best of luck

[Gizmonster]

Discussed here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Question1380940.html

[The Builder]

Just wanted to add something to the link Giz has put up.

It was suggested in there that mains pressure can be reduced by turning the stopcock back a little. That can work if you're lucky, but it's not the best way. You certainly reduce the pressure, but you are also reducing the flow. i.e. the amount of water flowing.

One of these is better......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATER-PRESSURE-REDUCING-VALVE-WITH-GAUGE-15MM-22MM-FITTING-REGULATING-PRV-ADV-/280917244423

[starone]

Thanks a lot everyone, especially the Builder, who I know is very knowledgeable on these subjects. I think I might go along with your suggestion for a plumber, I am too old to try anything new.

[Dodger666]

In days gone by I used to get water hammer. It was generally cured by changing the washer in the old type floating ball type valves.

Since having the cold water tank removed and toilets replaced with ones with modern type vales no more water hammer for at least 11 years.