Noises in Pipework

Below are a few suggested reasons for noisy pipework in a home:

Large deposits of limescale can build up in the system, especially in hard water areas.
The boiler thermostat may be faulty.

With any system, noises could indicate that the pump is not working. This is something that you check yourself, using the boiler operating instructions. Turn off the boiler, check that the pump is turned on and is running, it is quiet so check by feeling the case for vibration, if the switch is set to on, but the pump is not running, turn off the power at the mains and check that the cabling is tightly connected and there is no sign of deterioration.

The pump runs, but the outlet pipe is cold. Open the bleed valve and release any trapped air. A Leyton Plumber can fix noisy pipes.


Creaky pipework.

Possible cause is the expansion of the hot water pipes and rubbing against lower/wall structures or other pipes. You can try widening the pipe notches in the joists (widen don’t deepen, as it can weaken the joists), clip unsupported pipe runs, and pack insulation around and between pipes.

Humming pipes:
The pump speed could be too high or the pipes in your home are too narrow for the system flow. Leyton Plumbers can advise on noisy pipework.

Rushing sound:
Bleed the radiators as it will more than likely be caused by air or gas bubbles trapped in the system.
This could be due to the system water level being at a low level. Switch off the boiler and pump, and visually inspect the feed and expansion tank in the loft, if empty, check that the ball valve has not jammed shut and the water supply has not been stopped. If you can identify and fix the cause yourself, you can then top up the system water level.
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