Plumbing Questions

Toad-O-Line

Senior Member
Aug 18, 2001
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East of Reality
I was wondering if someone could provide me with some information regarding some plumbing issues I am experiencing at home.

My house is relatively new (6 years old) and in a new subdivision.

1. If I turn on the hot water when using the laundry tub in the basement the hot water pipes shake like crazy. It's loud as hell, you can hear the noise throughout the whole house.

2. Every once in a while after flushing the upsairs (2nd floor) toilet, it makes a loud whining sound. This happens sporadically. Sometimes it's really loud, other times it's faint. It comes & goes.

Thanks in advance

TOL
 
This is very common in new houses in the subdivision. Before occupancy is granted the plumbers test the water lines throughout the house using air pressure then turning on the water to find leaks if any. Unfortunately air is always trapped in the pipes and it is difficult to get it out in a short period of time. The valve Sheik recommended will do this.
 
Sheik's recommendation usually works.
I have a "middle-aged" house, early 30's. Installed pressure relief valve, the same shaking/rattling continued. So my neighbours think I do it all the time, & asked for my diet plan (LOL).
 
Toad make sure the laundry tap washers are in good order and tightened snugly, I think whats hapening is (very common) the washer starts to vibrate and creates a situation where the water is partially shutting off & on.thus creating the rattling & banging pipes
Very unlikey air is trapped, imho
 
solution from a non-plumber

This problem is called a water hammer. It can be corrected by installing a special trap in the line which will cushion the flow of water against a column of air. It is essentially a blind "T" fitting with a length of pipe on it which contains air. The problem is easily solved.
 
Toad O'

You may want to research the history of the land your house was built on. It sounds a lot like poltergeists.
 
I can suggest an easy and professional solution to AIR in the PIPES


Sure you can get special stuff and spend a ton of cash chasing the problem

OR you can

1) turn off power or turn water tank to off

2) thurn on ever hot and cold water faucet in the house, incluing all hose lines

3) let water run 30 minutes.

4) turn off all faucets, including hoses

5) restart hot water tank

you have just filled every pipe in the house with water and forces the air out

there is nowhaere for the air to have retreated to and you should be set if air was the problem.
 
The whining sound in your toilet means the ball cock is either clogged or defective, get the builder to change it and while he's at it, get them to fill your pipes up properly by leaving an upstairs tap (preferably the shower) on while they fill the system, giving the air somewhere to go.
Ciao
wop