View Full Version : Pipes banging
kelmeg
Oct 3, 2011, 02:21 AM
Hi, I have a problem with my water pipes banging every time I run a bath. It sounds like someone is hitting them with a hammer. It starts a couple of minutes into running the bath and then continues for a short while after the taps have been turned off, it used to only be when a bath was run but its happened very slightly when the hot water is run in the bathroom sink for a long while, and reently the kitchen sink. We tried turning to stop cock down so the water pressure is reduced and have changed the ball valve on the water tank in the loft but nothing has changed
speedball1
Oct 3, 2011, 04:53 AM
What type of water heater do you have? My guess is gas. Am I correct ? Back to you, Tom
kelmeg
Oct 3, 2011, 04:55 AM
Yes you are spot on - we have gas
speedball1
Oct 3, 2011, 05:47 AM
If you do not flush,(not drain) your heater on a regular basis it will build up mineral on the bottom of the tank. When the flame comes on it turns the water trapped under the mineral to steam and the steam escaping is what you hear. Let me show you how to flush your heater. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) and some white grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). The whole thing shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. You might want to consider cleaning the screens on your aerators if you have a high mineral buildup. If the problem still persists after you have flushed, you will have to drain the heater, remove the boiler drain and go up in the bottom of the tank with a wood or plastic rod, (not metal) and try to break up the mineral and flush it out. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer, Tom
Milo Dolezal
Oct 3, 2011, 09:44 AM
What's your water pressure on the house side ?