Why Do My Plumbing Pipes Make A Knocking Noise?
November 10, 2018 Plumbing
We've all heard strange noises around our homes and most of the sounds are harmless. But if you hear banging water pipes, this could be a sign of a serious plumbing problem. The top three causes of banging plumbing pipes are because of a water hammer, copper pipes or too high of water pressure. These sounds can be heard after a water supply is shut off, while the water is running and randomly throughout the day or night. Here are more in-depth reasons why your plumbing pipes are banging and remedies for those noises.
Water Hammer
When running water and is suddenly shut off, the rushing water has no place to go and slams against the shut-off valve. The sound you hear is called a water hammer. It may not sound like a big deal but a water hammer can potentially damage joints and connections in the pipes.
To address the water hammering, you'll need to inspect all visible piping while the noise is present to see if there are any loose or vibrating parts that need securing. Next, you'll need to check the air chamber. The air chamber is the vertical pipe located near your faucet and is often in the wall cavity that holds the plumbing connected to your sink or tub. The purpose of the chamber is to absorb the shock of fast-moving water that is suddenly stopped. Unfortunately, over time it loses its effectiveness and it will need to be replenished. To do that, turn off the water supply to your house. Open the faucets to drain out any water. Then turn the water supply back on. The incoming water will flush the air out of the pipes but not out of the air chamber. The air supply will then be restored to your air chamber.
Copper Pipes
You may also hear banging sounds coming from your plumbing if your home has copper pipes. Copper pipes tend to expand as hot water passes through them. If these pipes are in a tight area, they will expand and noisily rub against other structural features.
In most cases, expanding and contracting copper pipes will not cause a leak. And unless you are remodeling, there's no reason to add additional padding around these pipes. The simple solution would be to slightly lower the water temperature setting on your hot water heater.
Water Pressure
Another reason for banging water pipes is that the water pressure is too high. Most modern homes have pressure regulators that mount where the water supply enters the house. You may consider having one installed if your home doesn't have one. Too much water pressure could damage any water-supplied appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher. It's recommended that water is delivered to your home at no lower than 40 and no greater than 80 psi (pounds per square inch).
SOURCE: kenmore washing machine 80 series
check for kinks in the pipe or restrictions to the flow in the pipes before it gets to the washer, if all is ok then check the filter on the outside of the water connector on the machine for dirt
if you confirm all is clear and the flow of water is not the problem before the machine, replace the cold water solenoid
SOURCE: Kenmore 80 Series Top Load Washer not agitating
Check out this you tube. Had the same problem today. Tipped washer on its side and replaced coupler between motor and gearbox. Parts are about $15
This is a good diagnosis video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOP0_KCYT0
SOURCE: Kenmore Series 70 washing machine whines and low flow on cold H2O
Yeah you need to replace the water valve. To get to it you need to remove the cabinet on the newer direct drive models, If yours has a rear access panel then you simply pop the top to get to the valve after removing the hoses. Fairly simple job. Here is a good website for direct drive coupling replacement . It shows you how to open the cabinet. http://repair2000.com/coupling.html
GVI 151 is the generic part that fix all belt drive models. Direct drive will need its own little water valve buy hay it ain't but 20 bucks.
For a better explanation post you model number in the comment box and I will research it further for you amigo.
If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/dan_73bbd84fe1d95b61
SOURCE: Loud banging noise durning washing machine spin cycles.
First plug off the wall. Open the machine from behind to examine if any shock-absorbers(known as dampers) or springs have come off or broken. Your dealer could help with spares. But you could do the job yourself.
For spares:
RepairClinic.com (which is good)
espares.co.uk
AppliancePartsPros.com
SOURCE: Kenmore 80 Series washing machine - loud banging at end of spin
With the lid open, set the cycle to spin and press the lid switch button with a pen. Wait until the drum gets to full speed and release the lid switch. If the drum makes a knocking/ thumping noise and doesn't stop spinning within 2-3 seconds, the basket drive block is worn and needs to be replaced. (The basket drive block is located on the gearcase drive shaft, under the tub and agitator) If this has been happening for a long time you may need to replace the brake and drive tube assembly as well.
Basket drive block part number is 389140
If that's not it, let me know and I will try to help you further.
Good luck!
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