How To Quiet Heating Pipes

Tick, tick, tick sound

Translation: Your copper pipe is scraping against metal. Hot water entering cold pipes causes them to expand along their length—as much as ¾ of an inch over 50 feet—and that can cause a clicking sound as they slide against metal hangers or shift the fins that dissipate heat inside baseboard convectors. The fix: Separate the pipe from whatever metal it’s in contact with by replacing metal supports with plastic suspension clamps (Sharkbite Suspension Clamp, $7 for 10; homedepot.com). If convector fins are the source, make sure they’re resting evenly on a plastic expansion cradle that allows them to move freely over a support bracket.

Squeak, squeak

Translation: Squeaks and moans indicate the expanding pipes are rubbing against wood. This often occurs where a pipe comes up through a floor, runs through framing, or is clamped too snugly against a joist. The fix: Again, the key is to separate the two materials. Loosen or replace clamps that cause pipes to press against joists; cushion a pipe coming through the floor with a plastic clamp or sleeve.

Thunk!

Translation: A thunk or bang can occur when there is no room for a hot pipe to expand, causing it to bow and knock into the convector cover or wall. The fix: Hire a plumber to cut out a small section to shorten the pipe run, or install a corrugated flexible connector to allow for expansion. This will require draining the affected zone, but the silence it provides will be golden.

Steps for Quieting Noisy Pipes

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