Repairing Plumbing Sounds in your house
To diagnose noisy plumbing, it is important to determine first whether the unwanted sounds occur in the inlet side, meaning when water is turned on, or on the drain side. Noises on the inlet side have varied causes: excessive water pressure, worn valve and faucet parts, improperly connected pumps or other appliances, incorrectly placed pipe fasteners, and plumbing runs containing too many tight bends or other restrictions. Noises on the drain side usually stem from poor location.
Inlet Side Noises
Creaking, squeaking, scratching, snapping, and tapping usually are caused by the expansion or contraction of pipes, generally copper ones supplying hot water. The sounds occur as the pipes slide against loose fasteners or strike nearby house framing. You can often pinpoint the location of the problem if the pipes are exposed; just follow the sound when the pipes are making noise. Most likely you will discover a loose pipe hanger or an area where pipes lie so close to floor joists or other framing pieces that they clatter against them. Attaching foam pipe insulation around the pipes at the point of contact should remedy the problem
Drainpipe Noise
On the drain side of plumbing, the main objectives will be to get rid of areas that may be hit by falling or rushing water and also to insulate pipes to contain unavoidable sounds.
In brand-new construction, bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and wall mounted sinks and basins needs to be set on or against sturdy underlayments to lower the transmitting of sound through them. Water-saving toilets and faucets are less noisy than standard types; set them up rather than older types regardless of whether codes in the area still enable making use of older fixtures.
Hissing
Hissing noise that occurs when a faucet is opened slightly generally signals excessive water pressure. Consult your local water company if you suspect this problem; they will be able to tell you the water pressure in your area and can install a pressure reducing valve on the incoming water supply pipe if necessary.