Vibrating, Resonating Water Pipes
We just bought a house had it inspected and everything came back fine except leaking hot water heater. We asked for a new one and they obliged and had it installed. Now that I am in the house painting and fixin up and such, the water pipes make a very loud high pitch vibration. I mention the inspection and the water heater because we would have heard the noise before when we were looking at the house and when he was inspecting it. So I want to put the blame on the new water heater. When we turn on the faucets (hot or cold water or both) after about 2-3 seconds the pipes begin to vibrate and the noise is a very loud (can’t hear the radio over the noise) high pitched resonating sound. The floors vibrate from the pipes. This happens at the kitchen sink and in the bathroom sink (again hot or cold water – doesn’t matter). Also the water pressure seems a bit low but I can’t recall if it was low before the hot water heater was installed. HOWEVER, when I run the bathtub the pressure is good and I get far more flow and no vibration at all in the pipes. Same with the outside water hose – good flow no vibration in the pipes. So I’m wondering how it all fits together and what I can do to fix it. Thanks for the help.
Hi,
I would be willing to bet you have a shut off with a loose washer someplace. You will need to use trial and error to find the culprit. Check all valves that should be open and make sure they are fully open. If you still have the problem you can shut off one valve at a time and see if the noise stops. I would start around the water heater then work your way out. Also listen real good for clues. And do some faucets cause it to happen more than others.
Hope this helps, if not let us know.