Rattle & Rumble

[skip7547]

When any of the fixtures that use water (bath, toilets, dishwasher, washing machine) activate a wash/rinse cycle, the feed line into the basement rattles. This causes a noise on the first floor (hardwood floor) that sounds like a rumble. I've isolated it to the feed line after the meter and can shim stryofoam into the hanger brackets. Is this adequate to fix this issue?

I'm wondering if this is a sign of bigger issues. Why would the call for water usage cause the pipe to rattle? Is this a pressure issue? SHould the water district be notified of this issue?

Any and all advice is appreciated, thanks.

[maarass]

Not an expert here but sounds like you need a shock arrester. Mine is in the basement right after the main shut off. Just a 2 ft' high vert. piece of pipe. I'm sure someone here can explain it to you better. So I'll bump for ya.

[bkrahmer]

You can make an old-school water hammer arrester by putting a vertical piece of pipe with a cap on it in your system. However, the air in that section of pipe will be dissolved into the water after some time, making it only a temporary solution. They make water hammer arresters. You may want to look into buying one. http://www.plumbingsupply.com/waterhammerarresters.html

[VALENT]

I dont think it is a sign of anything but high water pressure being slowed down in a big hurry. The above posts are right on and the vertical pipe will recharge with air anytime you drain the water lines. Shimming the incoming pipe may be enough. I dont think the water district will care. Instead, be glad you have such good water pressure.

[RRG]

I'd be willing to bet there is a pressure regulator inline near the meter.
The problem you are describing sounds like your prv is going bad, not allowing enough flow thru it and causing a drastic pressure diference on either side of it.
The water hammer and rattling pipes are the result.

[RRG]

You can try running the screw on top of the valve in to increase the pressure and give you more flow, but it will be a temporary fix.
Changing a press. reducing valve is fairly easy.
Check with your water company to see if it is something they will do for you.

[skip7547]

Thanks to all who posted.

I also consulted a local plumber who suggested that I drain the lines back to the lowest point and very slowly turn the water back on to normal pressure. This has resolved the situation. Again, thanks to all for the enlightening advice.

[giddonah]

thanks for coming back and relaying your solution. I hope it is a permanent fix.