Groaning pipes - stops when tap turned on

[lmsava]

For the last week, I've been getting a periodic groaning noise coming from our cold water pipes. When it happens, the kitchen tap starts to leak but this leaking stops when the groaning stops. I can also make it happen by flushing the toilet and then turning on a cold tap.

The noise is coming from the downstairs pipes, at least, that's where it is loudest. We are also on a shared water main, shared between three houses including ours.

Does any know what could be causing this? Most of the information I have found has been about groaning pipes when a tap is turned ON, but in our case, it stops when we turn on a tap.

 

[CBW]

Quarter turn taps by any chance? If yes, you need a new insert/cartridge to the kitchen sink tap.

 

[Madrab]

+1 .... usually happens when you have substantial cold water pressure and it's a cheapish tap with worn ceramic valves, change both valves as the other one is probably close behind.

When it does it hold the tap, you'll feel it vibrating

 

[lmsava]

Yes, quarter-turn tap. I'll take a look at the valves. Thanks for the replies