Plumbing Noise Checklist FAQs-2

Diagnostic questions help fix plumbing system sounds

Plumbing System Clunk & Thunk Noise FAQs

Loud Clunk / Thunk Noise When the Well Pump Turns On

Hello, I was just reviewing your ' plumbing noise checklist' above. I've just very recently developed a periodic 'clunk/thunk' noise when my well pump cycles on

I can't intentionally create this, but it does happen several times a day. I also have not personally been able to view the pressure tank,piping when this happens, but my son has and he says their is movement in the water pipes where they come off the pressure tank.

The pump is the original(submersible, about 34 years old). The pressure tank was replace about 20 years ago. The pump seems to cycle fine(on at 30 off at 50), and I don't find anything obvious wrong. We have no air in the water,sediment etc. The pump appears to come on and off at normal intervals.

I did have a couple of pipes that were not held tight by copper retainers, but I fixed these. Still same issue exists.

I've turned off the power and drained the entire system on two different occasions now in the last 10 days.

The pressure tank is at 21 psi (on my 30-50 system). I believe this is a little low, but not sure it would cause this issue?

BUT, we have NEVER had this noise, until the last few weeks and I'm a bit concerned.

I read in your checklist that possibly a pump control relay switch or check valve could cause this?

Where would these be located? I assume the check valve is down by the pump somewhere

What about the pump control relay?

Although I consider myself to be mechanically inclined and somewhat 'handy' :) (I know what you are thinking. If it involves 'below ground' pieces, I'm not touching it.

Seriously though, any advice is appreciated here. I'm ready to call a professional, because I know it's not right.

Any suggestions? A plumber or would a 'well guy' be more suitable for this. Thx in advance TJ Morrissey On 2014-06-22

PS:

I just checked when my pump comes on and off (put my glasses on this time). It's 35 - 55. Check this about 4 pump cycles and it's consistent.

by (mod) -

TJ

I'd start by looking for loose pump motor mounts or piping supports. If those are intact and secure I'd look for a failing pump bearing or impeller or motor components.

So stand by and watch your water pump when you have an assistant turn water on at a nearby fixture. Look for a jolt or movement in the pump or in the well pipes when the pump turns on.

If you can't see anything moveing, then for full details on diagnosing and fixing this problem, be sure to read WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE 

 

Groaning Fog Horn Sounds from Plumbing Q&A

Fog Horn Groaning Sound at night: is it plumbing, the elevator, or something else?

Hello:
I live on the 25th floor of a 47 floor condo. The hall ceiling on the floor below me is lowered. I hear noises mostly at night sounding similar to a low fog horn lasting 5 seconds and then repeating after a few seconds.

Our new maintenance guy showed me that there were only shut off valves as he lifted a ceiling tile. He took me two floors up and showed me the elevator equipment room but all the motor, etc noises were consistent and not on and off. I asked him about boosters and he said all that equipment is in the basement. Can you please let me know what you think? Thanks. by sabrinaday8@gmail.com

by (mod) - Building Groaning Noise Diagnosis & Cure

Sabrina

When you are near an elevator shaft sounds may be transmitted in the shaft or from the shaft into the ceiling by any air duct, metal pipe, etc. that connects the two.

I can't say what's going on from just your note, but the sound event log that I suggest at this free PDF download:

NOISE & SOUND IDENTIFICATION LOG [PDF]

might help make some progress.

Sources of Groaning Noises in or at Buildings

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOISES  - can include groaning at failing electrical motors
• GROANING sounds from A/C or heat pump system, diagnosis
• GROANING NOISE FAQs
• GROWLING compressor sounds (also see Groaning above)
• GROWLING NOISE FAQs
• HOWLING NOISES in BUILDINGS - can include moaning or groaning sounds
• HVAC NOISE-2 CHATTER CHIRP CLANK CLICK FAN GRIND GROAN - chattering, clanks, clicks, clunks, cyclical, fan, groans, growls, honking
• HVAC NOISE-3 HISS HOWL HUFF HUM - hiss, howl, huff, hum, groan, woo wuu wuff
• WIND NOISES at BUILDINGS

What's Causing a Noise like a Ship's Hooter heard in our Drain Piping?

Very comprehensive and excellent. But my problem is not in this article. I have a noise like a ships hooter randomly in my soil pipe, what can be the cause? All toilets flushing and filling properly. On 2012-07-06 by aileen cheetham

by (mod) -

Aileen,

Check out the fog horn and groaning sources listed just above for Sabrina.

Also, please use the CONTACT US link at page top to send us a recording of this sound and we can comment further, perhaps suggesting some diagnostic questions as well. Also tell me if your plumbing system uses any pumps and if it is connected to septic or sewer