Noisy pipe investigation in Exeter
Professional noisy pipe investigation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Noisy pipes investigated to find the cause - banging, rattling, humming, whatever the noise. Once I know what's causing it, I'll fix it properly so your plumbing's quiet again.
That Noise Is Driving You Mad
Bang every time you turn the tap off. Rattling when the heating comes on. Humming when someone flushes the toilet. Gentle creaking at night when nobody's even using water.
Noisy pipes don't fix themselves. They usually get worse. And they're incredibly annoying once you've noticed them.
💡 Pro tip: The noise often happens somewhere different from where the actual problem is. Sound travels through pipes, so you might hear it in the bathroom but the cause is under the kitchen.
Common Pipe Noises & Causes
| Noise Type | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bang when tap turned off | Water hammer | Fit shock arrestor |
| Rattling/vibration | Loose pipes against wood | Secure with proper clips |
| Humming/singing | High pressure or worn washer | Adjust pressure or replace washer |
| Creaking | Expansion/contraction | Insulate or allow movement |
What I'll Do
🔧 Investigation & Fix
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Recreate the noise | Work out when and where it happens |
| Trace the source | Find which pipe is actually making it |
| Identify the cause | Diagnose why it's happening |
| Apply the fix | Secure, adjust, or fit arrestor |
📦 Result
- Noise identified and understood
- Practical fix applied
- Peace and quiet restored
- Advice to prevent recurrence
Typical Pricing
| Job | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple fix (secure loose pipe) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Water hammer arrestor fitting | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Multiple issues/difficult access | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Some fixes need parts (arrestor, clips, etc) - I'll tell you the cost before fitting.
Get It Sorted If...
✅ Banging when taps turned off
✅ Rattling when heating comes on
✅ Humming from pipes constantly
✅ Driving you mad - time to fix it
Why Choose Us for Noisy pipe investigation in Exeter?
Noise source identified
Practical fix applied
Pipes secured or adjusted
Peace and quiet restored
What to Expect
Step 1: Recreate & Locate
I'll get you to recreate the noise (turn on tap, flush toilet, whatever causes it). Then trace where it's actually coming from.
Step 2: Diagnose
Work out what's causing it - water hammer, loose pipe, pressure issue, worn component.
Step 3: Fix It
Apply the appropriate fix - could be securing pipes, fitting an arrestor, adjusting pressure, replacing a washer. I'll explain what's needed before I do it.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you want to investigate yourself:
🔧 Basic investigation
- Note when noise happens (which tap, hot or cold, on or off)
- Follow the pipe from that tap/appliance
- Listen carefully - get someone to operate the tap while you listen
- Check visible pipes for movement when noise happens
For water hammer (bang when tap turned off):
- This is the hardest DIY fix
- Needs a shock arrestor fitted near the problem tap
- Or try reducing water pressure at the mains
- Or turn taps off more slowly (not a real fix!)
For loose/rattling pipes:
- Find the loose pipe (usually in ceiling void or under floor)
- Secure it with proper pipe clips
- Don't over-tighten - pipes need to expand/contract
- Felt or rubber between pipe and clip reduces noise
For humming:
- Often caused by worn tap washers
- Replace the washer in the affected tap
- Or fit a pressure reducing valve if pressure is high
Expansion noise (creaking):
- Hot pipes expand and contract
- Need to allow movement, not restrict it
- Insulation can help
- Special clips that allow sliding
⚠️ When to call someone
- Can't access the pipes (in walls/under concrete)
- Water hammer needs arrestor fitting
- Not sure what's causing it
- Pipes behind finished surfaces
💡 Pro trick: If pipes are rattling against wooden joists, a piece of foam pipe insulation where they touch stops the noise without restricting expansion.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Access might be needed. Some pipe work is hidden in walls, under floors, above ceilings. I might need to lift boards or open panels to get to the problem. I'll discuss this before I start.
Water hammer: This is pressure surge damage waiting to happen. It can eventually damage joints and cause leaks. Worth fixing properly with an arrestor, not just ignoring it.
Older houses: Victorian/Edwardian houses often have long pipe runs with multiple turns. These amplify noises. Sometimes need arrestors at multiple points.
Heating pipes: These expand and contract with temperature changes. Some noise is normal, but constant rattling isn't. Usually need clips adjusting or insulation adding.
Prevention: Once fixed, operating taps more gently (not slamming them off) helps prevent water hammer recurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes noisy pipes?
Water hammer (sudden pressure change), loose pipes vibrating against joists, air in the system, worn washers, high water pressure, or expansion/contraction with temperature. Need to identify which one before fixing it.
Can you always fix noisy pipes?
Usually yes, once I know what's causing it. Some fixes are simple (secure a loose pipe, replace a washer). Others need more work (fit an arrestor for water hammer, adjust pressure). I'll tell you what's needed.
Will you need to open up walls or ceilings?
Sometimes yes, if the noise is from pipes inside a wall or ceiling. Often I can trace the problem without major disruption, but accessing pipes sometimes means opening panels or boards.
What's water hammer?
That loud bang when you turn a tap off quickly. It's a pressure surge hitting a dead-end in the pipes. Needs a shock arrestor fitted to absorb the pressure wave.
How long does investigating and fixing take?
Depends what I find. Simple fixes (securing loose pipes, adjusting pressure) might be 1 hour. More complex issues (water hammer arrestor, multiple loose pipes) could be 2-3 hours.
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