How To Quiet Noisy Heating Pipes

When the temperature drops and you turn up the heat, do you hear an unwelcome symphony of ticks, squeaks, and thunks from your heating system? These noises can be more than just annoying—they often indicate underlying issues that need attention. Many of these problems can be addressed with simple do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions. We’ll explore the common causes of noisy heating pipes and provide practical steps to silence them. You can watch This Old House’s plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, identify and fix this issue in the video above.

Causes of Noisy Heating Pipes

When hot water flows through cold pipes, the metal expands. This expansion can cause pipes to rub against supports, joists, or other surfaces, creating various sounds:

• Squeaking or moaning: This sound usually occurs when expanding pipes rub against surrounding wood.
• Ticking or clicking: This is often caused by pipes sliding against metal hangers or shifting fins in baseboard convectors.
• Thunking or banging: This can happen when a hot pipe has no room to expand and bows into a wall or cover.

A common source of noise is the water hammer. This occurs when water flowing through pipes suddenly stops or changes direction, creating a shock wave that can cause a loud banging sound. Water hammer can be particularly disruptive and might require more extensive solutions to address.

Additional factors can contribute to noisy heating pipes. Poor pipe insulation can allow pipes to vibrate and produce noise. Incorrectly installed or worn-out pipe supports can also lead to unwanted sounds. In older heating systems, sediment buildup inside the pipes can create obstructions that cause noise as water flows through.

Solutions for Quieting Heating Pipes

Now that we’ve covered why noises occur, let’s discuss how to address them.

Isolating Pipes From Metal Contacts

To address ticking noises caused by pipes rubbing against metal, follow these steps:

1. Locate the areas where pipes are in contact with metal supports or hangers.
2. Remove the metal strap clamps holding the pipes against joists or other hard surfaces.
3. Replace each metal clamp with a plastic “Mickey” clip. These suspension clips resemble Mickey Mouse ears.
4. Slip the plastic clip over the pipe and screw it to the joist.

This simple change can reduce noise by allowing the pipe to expand without friction against metal surfaces.

Cushioning Pipes Against Wood

For squeaks and moans caused by pipes rubbing against wood, try these solutions:

• Loosen or replace clamps that cause pipes to press against joists.
• Use plastic clamps or sleeves to cushion pipes where they pass through floor joists or walls.
• For vertical pipes coming up through the floor, slip a plastic clip around each pipe and press it down into the hole to isolate the pipe from the surrounding wood.
• Wrapping pipes with foam or rubber insulation can minimize contact with other surfaces and reduce noise. However, this is a temporary fix and shouldn’t replace professional inspection and repair if needed.

Creating Space for Expansion

Here are some tips to prevent thunking or banging noises caused by pipes with no room to expand:

• Ensure there’s sufficient expansion space where pipes pass through holes in walls and ceilings.
• If necessary, enlarge holes slightly to allow for pipe movement.
• In severe cases, consider hiring a plumber to cut out a small section to shorten the pipe run or install a corrugated flexible connector.

Addressing Water Hammer

To address water hammer issues, you can install water hammer arrestors. These devices absorb the shock wave created when the water flow suddenly stops, preventing the loud banging noise. Place these arrestors at strategic points where the hammering is most noticeable.

Addressing Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup can be a big issue for older heating systems. To address this, consider flushing your heating system to remove any obstructions that may cause noise. A professional can perform a power flush to ensure all sediment is removed.

Preventative Measures for Noisy Pipes

Taking preventative measures can help maintain a quiet heating system in the long term.

Regular Maintenance

Schedule annual inspections of your heating system by a professional. In the meantime, look for signs of wear on pipe supports and clamps and address small issues promptly before they become major problems. Lubricate moving parts regularly as recommended by manufacturers.

Proper Installation

If you’re installing new pipes or replacing old ones, use appropriate isolation techniques from the start. Make sure pipes have adequate space for expansion, and consider using flexible connectors in areas prone to movement. Opt for high-quality materials to ensure longevity and quiet operation.

System Upgrades

In some cases, upgrading parts of your heating system can help reduce noise. Install modern, quiet circulator pumps, and consider replacing old, noisy valves with newer, quieter models. Upgrading to a more efficient boiler that operates at lower temperatures can reduce expansion issues. Also, look into modern insulation solutions that significantly reduce noise levels.

Expert Pipes Consultation

While many of the fixes mentioned are DIY-friendly, don’t hesitate to consult a professional if the noises persist. An experienced plumber or heating specialist can diagnose complex issues that may not be apparent at first glance. Professionals can provide long-term fixes that DIY methods might not achieve and routine maintenance to prevent future problems.

Tools