How Can We Fix
Pipes That Are Noisy?

Question: I am in the process of building a house in Massachusetts. One of the things that annoys me the most in the three houses I have lived in so far is the noise of the water flowing through the pipes.

What can we do to reduce the noise of the water flowing through the pipes for both -- the water coming out of the faucets as well as the waste water flowing back? Could you also suggest sources to look up this information? The plumbing contractor and architect have not come up with suggestions thus far.

Answer: Most complaints I've heard about have to do with banging. This occurs when the water flow causes the pipe to vibrate. Remedies usually include tying the pipe down more securely and inserting baffles (a long U-shaped construction) that help to overcome vibration. In your case, however, it sounds as if you object to the actual noise of water flow in both potable and waste water pipes.

Since you're in the process of building your house, one remedy could be to have the pipes located away from areas where the sound is likely to be most objectionable, for example in bedrooms where such noises seem much louder at night. If possible, don't have pipes located in bedroom walls, ceiling or floors.

The only other remedy that I've heard of that might be effective is to reduce the force of the water flow. Usually the noise heard in potable water is caused by the water rushing through the pipes. Reduce the force and that rushing noise diminishes. This can be accomplished to a limited extent by a pressure control valve inserted where the water enters the house. Get one that's adjustable and set it to the lowest setting, around 20 pounds. This will reduce the water pressure and, after the water is turned on, should have the effect of reducing the force of the water rushing through the pipes.

Unfortunately, it will also result in a slower flow from the faucets. For waste water the only sounds usually heard is when water falls from a top floor to a lower floor on the way to the basement. In most construction these pipes are vertical and the flow is direct. You could, conceivably, have these pipes put in at a diagonal so the water force would be reduced and that probably would cut down on the sound.

It's an unusual problem and I can understand why your contractors are having trouble coming up with a solution.

Mr. Irwin has more than 25 years' experience as a Los Angeles-area real-estate broker. He is the author of more than two dozen books about real estate and is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable writers in the real-estate field. Mr. Irwin's most recent book is "Buy Your First Home," (Dearborn, 2000).

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C. J., Boston

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