Just what is that noise?

[swa110w]

Following on from the recent replacement of the immersion heater in my hot water cylinder, which was making a dreadful noise (see my other thread: http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=157760), I have now noticed that my water pipes are also very noisy.

The noise only seems to occur after using hot water, presumably as the cold water tank/hot water cylinder is refilled. Also, it is definitely coming from the pipes and not from the boiler this time. Just to clarify, it is not a hammering sound, just a fairly loud hissing "shhhhhh" sound - a bit similar to a toilet refilling. My washing machine also makes a similar noise when it is filling up with water.

Any ideas?

 

[JohnD]

Do you have a cold-water cistern in the loft, or does all your water come direct from the mains?

Do you like doing DIY household maintenance?

 

[swa110w]

Do you have a cold-water cistern in the loft, or does all your water come direct from the mains?

Do you like doing DIY household maintenance?

I have a cold-water cistern in the loft.

I don't mind doing DIY, so long as it is within my capabilities!

 

[JohnD]

go and listen to the ball-cock. While you are up there measure it and observe what kind it is and what size apanners fit it.

Put a new one on and it will be a lot quieter.

See if the tank needs a lid to keep spiders and dead birds out, and an insulating jacket.

You can then bring the old ballcock into the kitchen, clean it up and fit a new cone and washer (this is slower and more fiddly than swapping complete, especially if you are working in a dark, cramped, cold loft.. Then you will have the old one repaired and ready to swap back when you new one gets noisy in a few years. I keep a spare one next to the tank.

When you put that foam lagging round the pipes that will also muffle the noise.

 

[swa110w]

Thanks John!

That sounds like quite a task, but I might give it a go. It is amazing how much noise that is making even quite a distance from the cold-water cistern! Presumably it is carried down the pipes.