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Fix pipes that make noise

We'll identify the noise type (water hammer, loose straps, or expansion), then fix it with arrestors, straps, or an expansion tank—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
15–60 min
What you'll need
  • Water hammer arrestor(s) (for water hammer)
  • Pipe straps or clips (for loose pipes)
  • Foam pipe wrap or rubber pads (optional, for cushioning)
  • Expansion tank (for thermal expansion only)
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Steps

Goal: Identify the noise type, then fix it with arrestors, straps, or an expansion tank.

  • Listen when the noise occurs. Banging when you turn off a faucet or appliance is water hammer. Rattling or clanging when water runs is loose straps. Creaking or groaning when hot water runs is thermal expansion.
  • Good: You know the noise type. Proceed to the matching section.
  • Bad: Unsure—work through each fix in order.

Water hammer

Goal: Stop the bang when you turn off water.

  • Turn on and off each fixture or appliance one at a time. The one that triggers the bang is the source. Often it is a washing machine, dishwasher, or quick-closing faucet.
  • Install a water hammer arrestor on the supply line near that valve. For washing machines, use arrestors on both hot and cold lines at the hose connections. For a faucet, install an arrestor in the supply line under the sink.
  • Follow the arrestor manufacturer instructions. Tighten connections and test.
  • Good: The bang stops when you turn off the fixture.
  • Bad: Bang persists—check other fixtures or call a plumber.

Loose straps

Goal: Stop rattling or clanging when water runs.

  • Inspect exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. Look for straps that are loose, missing, or broken. Pipes should be secured every few feet.
  • Add or tighten pipe straps. Use plastic or metal straps sized for the pipe. Place straps every 3–4 feet.
  • Where pipes contact framing or each other, add cushioning (foam pipe wrap or rubber pads).
  • Good: Pipes no longer move when water runs. Rattling stops.
  • Bad: Rattling persists—call a plumber.

Thermal expansion

Goal: Stop creaking when hot water runs.

  • Check if you have a closed system: a check valve or pressure regulator on the main supply can create one. Look for an expansion tank near the water heater.
  • If you have a closed system and no expansion tank, install one on the cold water supply side of the water heater, near the inlet. Shut off water and drain the heater per manufacturer instructions. Tee in the tank and pressurize it to match the incoming water pressure (typically 40–80 psi).
  • Check that the tank is properly supported. If you are not comfortable with this, call a plumber.
  • Good: Creaking stops when hot water runs.
  • Bad: Creaking persists or you are unsure—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • You are not comfortable cutting pipe or installing arrestors.
  • The noise persists after fixes.
  • You suspect a pressure regulator or valve issue.

Verification

  • No banging when you turn off faucets or appliances.
  • No rattling or clanging when water runs.
  • No creaking or groaning when hot water runs.
  • Pipes are secured and arrestors or expansion tank are installed correctly.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Identify noise type Confirm whether the noise is water hammer, loose straps, or thermal expansion.
  2. Water hammer Install water hammer arrestor near the valve that causes the bang.
  3. Loose straps Secure pipes with straps and cushioning.
  4. Thermal expansion Install expansion tank on the water heater if you have a closed system.
  5. Call a pro Call a plumber if you are not comfortable or the noise persists.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Noise type (banging, rattling, creaking)
  • When the noise occurs (on shutoff, during flow, hot water only)
  • Steps already tried

When does the noise occur?

Listen when the noise happens. Banging when you turn off a faucet is water hammer. Rattling when water runs is loose straps. Creaking when hot water runs is expansion.

Listen when the noise occurs. Banging when you turn off: water hammer. Rattling or clanging when water runs: loose straps. Creaking when hot water runs: thermal expansion. Good: you know the type. Bad: unsure—try each fix in order.

Bang on shutoff During flow or hot water

You can change your answer later.

Install water hammer arrestor

Install an arrestor near the valve that causes the bang. For washing machines, use arrestors on both hot and cold lines at the hose connections.

Locate the valve that causes the bang. Install a water hammer arrestor on the supply line near that valve. Good: bang stops. Bad: bang persists—check other fixtures or call a plumber.

Done

Is it rattling or creaking?

Rattling when water runs: loose straps. Creaking when hot water runs: thermal expansion.

Rattling: secure pipes with straps every few feet and add cushioning. Creaking: check for closed system and expansion tank. If you have a closed system and no expansion tank, install one.

Rattling Creaking

You can change your answer later.

Secure pipes with straps

Add or tighten pipe straps every 3–4 feet. Add cushioning where pipes contact framing. Good: rattling stops. Bad: persists—call a plumber.

Done

Install expansion tank

Check for closed system. If you have one and no expansion tank, install one on the cold water supply side of the water heater. If not comfortable, call a plumber.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do pipes make noise when I turn off the water?
Water hammer: sudden valve closure causes a pressure wave that slams pipes. Install a water hammer arrestor near the valve that causes the bang. If the bang happens at multiple fixtures, check the main shut valve.
Why do pipes rattle or clang?
Loose pipe straps or clips let pipes move when water flows. Secure pipes with straps every few feet and add cushioning where pipes contact framing. Check that pipes are not touching each other.
Why do pipes creak when hot water runs?
Thermal expansion: hot water pipes expand and can rub against framing or other pipes. An expansion tank on the water heater helps. If you have a closed system (check valve, pressure regulator), call a plumber to install one.
When should I call a plumber for noisy pipes?
If you are not comfortable cutting pipe or installing arrestors, or if the noise persists after fixes. If you suspect a pressure regulator or valve issue, call a plumber.

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