What causes the pipes to make a loud vibrating sound when you turn on the showers?

How can it be fixed?

All plumbing can be fixed, lets start by telling us if it makes an difference if you just turn on the hot or the cold alone.

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Originally Posted by Debldavis

What causes the pipes to make a loud vibrating sound when you turn on the showers?

How can it be fixed?

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I'm not sure about hot or cold. I always just turn on the water and leave temp in middle to warm up (one faucet) and then I turn on the shower and it makes noise, if I adjust the shower pull it will quit in a short while and then I can fully pull the shower all the way on.

Try turning the handle all the way to hot and then pull it on. Now adjust all the wway to cold and pull on. Do they both make the same sound? Do you know the brand of valve you have?

The one down stairs does it on hot and cold same noise. The on upstairs only did it on the hot. I do not know what brand they are and do no know how to tell.

Hi Deb,
You will find the brand name on the knob or the chrome face plate. We need to know. Noise and vibrations are caused by something loose that vibrates as the water rushes bye. A few questions. Pump or city water? Do you flush your water heater on a regular maintenance schedule? Are you handy enough to turn the water off, open up a valve, remove t6he cartridge and then turn the water back on for a minute to flush out the supplies and open valve body? Answer me and we'll stop those pesky shower valves from talking back to you. Regards, Tom

I believe it is Delta, the sink faucets say delta and it looks like those, although it does not say on the knob or faceplate. I believe I can flush if I have a little instruction. I do not flush my hot water heater, did not know I should. I installed a new one about 3 or 4 years ago. I am on city water. Thanks so much!

I have put up a image of a typical Delta bath and shower valve,(see image) yours may not be exactly but all you're goinng to do is shut the water off, open up the valve all the way down past #7, the nseats and springs. Now, with the valve open turn the water back on to flush out any debris that may be in there. This should flush out whatever was vibrating in there. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING on a regular schedule. 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) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures that are affected . Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back togather the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom