When I have been running hot water there is some times a vibrating noise in the pipe work. Anyone know why.?

Question

When I have been running hot water there is some times a vibrating noise in the pipe work. Anyone know why.?

Answer 1

Possible causes...

Build up of pressure in the line due to thermal expansion(especially if your water heater is at a point lower than your fixtures) ,this is when the water heats up it rises,along with this the pipe can expand,also resulting added pressure in a closed system.Usally you can tell a thermal expansion problem,by turning on a faucet and you get a sudden burst of water,along with this noise,than all is normal again after this short burst.

But it will more than likely still be rubbing against wood somewhere,that is usally the culprit.

Sometimes this can be fixed by adding an "air chamber" at the closest fixture to the noise. To do this you need add a piece of pipe about 10" long in a standing (vertical) position where the pipe comes out of the wall,or by having an expansion tank installed above the water heater.

If you can see,or place your hands on any of your water lines,have someone turn your hot water and start grabbing pipes,when you find the guilty culprit it will muffle or stop. Then strap or place insulation bwtween pipe and whatever it is rubbing against

Answer 2

Noise from a vibrating pipe usually happens when the pipe is too close to a floor joist or wall stud at one or more points throughout it's run.  If you can locate that point and actually attach the pipe, usually with a pipe strap, to the offending stud or joist, the noise should stop.  

Answer 3

Most likely have air or need more pipe straps where the water is coming from your boiler to your sinks or showers .

Answer 4

the water pressure