Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
A relatively new installation of copper supply lines “sings” during use. The pitch is fairly steady and the volume increases when the flow rate increases (almost sounds like a boiling tea pot).
What would be the most likely cause(s) for this condition?
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jschwartz1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I would say air chamber/vent pipe issue. I would open all faucets in the entire house and let them run for a good 15 to 20 minutes. Then I would try to find out if air chambers were properly installed in the tub/shower area if this is where the new installation took place.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This is a two-story condominium complex. I performed a “new construction” inspection last summer and I am returning this week for the “warranty” inspection.
Client tells me that the condition seems to have developed within the last month or two and my first thought was air in the lines (plenty of new construction in the area).
I don't have all the details as of yet, however, the client tells me that the pipes don't make much (if any) noise while sink faucets are in use, but really sing during use of toilets, showers and laundry.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jschwartz1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
What floor is the unit on? Seems to me that if the other units are not in use, it is most likely air in the lines. I find this when the seller never uses the third bathroom. When this occurs and you turn on the bathroom sink faucet, it looks like beer suds coming out of the fixture.
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mboyett wrote:
It could be an obstruction also.
I had a system that was making a noise more like a fog horn one time. We narrowed it down the the bath vanity. When we put our hand on the pipe when the water was running and making the noise it was vibrating slightly too. Only the one pipe. We removed the supply line and shut off and looked in the pipe and there was a piece of solder that was stuck there. It wouldn't go through the supply line. We reached in with hemostats and bent it enough to get it out in a couple of pieces.
No more noise or vibration.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: wcottrell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
Having been in the plumbing industry for a good number of years, we have found occasionally a faulty exterior hose bib with atmospheric vacuum breakers that vibrate excessively. These hose bibs typically have attached hoses and the valve is not closed, if the condos have common water mains through out, this condition will probably exist in the unit closest to the open hose bib. Would like to know your findings.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
found similar issue in large apt. complex. 23 building on both sides of the 1/2 mile (uphill road) main water supply? from the top right, nope.From the bottom with a computer controlled pumping station under ground. water pressure was increased gradually as needed and pumps would go dormant when street pressure was sufficient. causing the “water saver” aerators and shower heads to sing real perdy like.
Originally Posted By: pdickerson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have seen pressure reducing valves that produce a nice melody that increases in volume as the flow rate increases. The pitch of the vibration generally remains the same. If there is a PRV to the condo unit, it should be accessible, and it should be easy to determine if it is the source of the music.
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Sorry I’m late!
I was reading your thread for the first time.
I have had this happen a lot with pressure reducing valves. Residential and more on ice machines. They just go bad, some get crap in them.
On commercial installations, One thing to look out for is the wrong sized valve.I have found larger valves on smaller pipe. Less water works the valve. As water passes over the valve it creates "lift" and the the valve chatters. The harmonics may only be heard where the pipe support distance is the distance to make it vibrate at the frequency it can be heard.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Had some singing pipes a couple of times and it turned out to be shut off valves under the sink that had been back off full open and was causing a “flutter” and high pitched hum throughout the house. As can be seen from all the posts there are a number of reason this could happen. I installed a new toilet flush valve kit once that did the same thing but it did keep you entertained while doing your “business”.
