Banging pipes problem

[Collectors]

Hi, hope you can help. We have recently had the areas water pressure increased dramatically & we are now getting the problem of pipes banging, especially when taps or washing machine valves turn off. Problem is! This is when our neighbour’s taps & machines turn off as we are on a shared main. Can this be stopped with something like a check/anti return valve being fitted to the incoming main just after the stop cock.

Cheers

Chris.
PS. We did try turning down both water mains taps in the house’s, but with no joy.

 

[TicklyT]

Turning down the mains stopcock will only reduce the maximum flow. It doesn't reduce the static pressure.

The first thing I would do is to make sure all the mains pressure pipework is adequately supported and secured - If it can't move, it can't rattle and bang.

Make sure there re no 'dead legs' of pipework going nowhere. As well as harbouring bacteria, they can trap air, accentuating the problem.

You could fit a shock arrester.

Ball valves in storage tanks and toilet cisterns can be a source of noise. If they get upset by a initial surge, they can rattle quite a bit before settling down again, particularly if they are getting worn. Replacement valves are relatively inexpensive.