I live in a split foyer house built in mid 80's. I have had a problem with pipes rattling every since I moved there 7 years ago. The problem has worsened and now the pipes rattle all the time even when you are not using the water. Can you tell me what causes this and how to fix it?

It can be number of things. Check on the following first:

1. Loose pipes in walls, ceiling
2. Too high water pressure
3. Loose washer in one of your angle stops, valves, or pressure regulator
4. Thermal expension

What's your pressure ? Do you have copper plumbing ?

Wait, are you saying the pipe rattle when no water is being used?

To first reply- yes I have good pressure and copper pipes.

To the second reply, yes, it rattles even when the water is not on anywhere in the house. Rattles every 10-15 minutes.

Regis, this will require some good detective work because pipes should not rattle if there is no water being used. However, if the pipes rattle every 10-15 minutes there may be a appliance or fixture that draws water periodically like an ice maker or leaking toilet ballcock. Lets start by closing your main incoming water line to see if that stops the rattle. Back to you for your results.

First, make sure you have 55 lbs of pressure in your house.

It is most likely that you have a loose part in your plumbing fixture, or valve, somewhere in your house.

Go to the least used bath in your house and close water supply to toilet and sink. Leave it for couple of days. See if the noise persists.

Also, next time your pipes rattle again - stop immediately and try to remember what plumbing fixture was used at that moment. Or who was doing what inside your house ( for instance: washing machine was on, or outside hose valve was being used, wife taking shower etc... ).

Thanks for your reply, I called my water company yesterday to see if there had been any line work in my area. The supervisor came out yesterday evening and observed the problem. His suggestion was to change the pressure valve and see if that helps. Pulsing and rattling pipes when no water is on is unusual but we have lots of pressure and felt if the valve was going bad, it would allow water to remain in the pipes and make the rattling noise. He is going to change it out and I will update you.

I am surprised that the supervisor would make this recommendation without checking further. Attaching a pressure gauge to a tap watching it when the noise happens would help determine of the PRV is the problem.

I have the same issue- Please update on what you did to resolve the issue:confused:

The First thing I would suggest to check your water pressure as Milo and Bob says use a water pressure gauge see the Image below, is very much possible that your PRV is at fault and you may be able to adjust the pressure, normal residential water pressure should be between 45 to 60 psi, good luck.

John

Hey John,
Thanks for answering so promptly. No, the pressure gauge is within normal limits <45 PSI. The sound started ever since we had a plumber come by to fix a clogged toilet. We live in the basement, and the water drainage is horrible.
It starts when we turn on the shower/ sink and remains while water is running- so I don't think it's water hammer ( not just with the sudden change is pressure when I turn on and off the water)
Starting last night, there were rattling noises from the ceiling about every 15minutes even with no water running. It stopped now though.
We had no new pipes recently installed so I'm not really suspecting loose pipes?
Best
JJ

Next time the pipe rattling starts, turn off the stop valve under the toilet and let us know if that stops the rattling.

I agree with Hkstroud: open and close your angle stops at toilet and sink. That should do...