Anyone recommend a good plumber??

[kwando]

I have a very strange whining/ringing noise resonating in the water lines. It only occurs when the water faucets/shower/etc is turned off.

I don't believe it is not water hammering, my parents had hammering in those house and you can actually see the pipes move.

Anyway I am looking for someone that knows a plumber or can recommend a plumber (based on your own experience).

Thanks in advance

[GreenScoutII]

I'm a licensed journeyman plumber. I'm in the Pueblo area so I'm a little far away to fix it for you, but I might be able to help you figure it out if you want some free advice.

[GreenScoutII]

My first guess would be a fill valve in one of the toilets not shutting off completely. A small, restricted flow of water under pressure will frequently cause the ringing you mentioned. You probably have individual shut off valves to each fixture (toilet). When you hear the singing pipes, try shutting off the water to each toilet. If it stops, you have found the source of the problem.

Also, if you have a sprinkler system and just fired it up for the season, it may be the pressure vacuum breaker is not sealing completely. This will cause the same effect, particularly in a house with copper pipes.

There are other things that can cause this, but these are the most common. The fact that it stops when you turn on a faucet or flush a toilet makes me suspect one of these two things very strongly.

I'm always happy to help anybody here with free plumbing advice, just ask.http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

[kwando]

i suspect it is a bad valve. the ringing is no constant, only occurs when water is being shut off and lasts approx 1-3 seconds.

[Jer]

Sorry to thread jack but hopefully I can ask a question that's somewhat related and get an answer in parallel of your conversation since GreenScout is willing to help.

I have an issue with water hammer and the time I notice it is when the irrigation system is changing zones. I have tracked it to the upstairs (ground level.... ranch style house) guest bathroom under the sink. Can I just install one of those tubes for anti-hammer or is there a better way to handle this?

Also, the in-laws had a whole house R.O. system installed which runs to a tap at the kitchen sink, to the ice maker and to the door water dispenser in the fridge. I use the water for my aquarium and have noticed sometimes that I get that whining sound that is quite loud whenever I get some water from the tap at the sink. Doesn't do it from the fridge so I assume this is because of how much more volume comes out at the tap and it has to do with how quickly it's trying to balance the pressure again at the unit or something... dunno. This sounds more like the issue that the OP is having as far as a valve or something and I would also be interested in hearing how to remedy this annoyance.

[GreenScoutII]

Sorry to thread jack but hopefully I can ask a question that's somewhat related and get an answer in parallel of your conversation since GreenScout is willing to help.

I have an issue with water hammer and the time I notice it is when the irrigation system is changing zones. I have tracked it to the upstairs (ground level.... ranch style house) guest bathroom under the sink. Can I just install one of those tubes for anti-hammer or is there a better way to handle this?

Yes, installing a hammer arrestor will remedy this problem. Rapid closing solenoid valves are the principal culprits behind water hammer noise. Usually it is sprinkler valves or the internal valves of a washing machine. In fact, the IPC plumbing code requires hammer arrestors at all solenoid valves for new construction. Depending on where you have access to the plumbing, an arrestor is usually most effective installed just downstream of the pressure reducing valve (PRV), if used. Just be sure to use a 3/4 inch model. Alternatively, an arrestor could be installed between the pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) and the first sprinkler valve if that is easier to access, but that will only protect that one branch of the system.


Also, the in-laws had a whole house R.O. system installed which runs to a tap at the kitchen sink, to the ice maker and to the door water dispenser in the fridge. I use the water for my aquarium and have noticed sometimes that I get that whining sound that is quite loud whenever I get some water from the tap at the sink. Doesn't do it from the fridge so I assume this is because of how much more volume comes out at the tap and it has to do with how quickly it's trying to balance the pressure again at the unit or something... dunno. This sounds more like the issue that the OP is having as far as a valve or something and I would also be interested in hearing how to remedy this annoyance.

My first guess on your second concern is water pressure. Usually, working water pressure is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-60 psi. If the street pressure is much greater than that, a PRV is typically installed. In older homes they were not always used, or it may have failed. Typically a PRV will fail in the full open position, so you might be hearing the effect of excessive pressure. You can buy a pressure gauge for about $10 bucks at Lowe's or Home Depot, it will be in the aisle with all the sprinkler parts. It will screw onto a hose bib or connection for the washing machine. (3/4 hose thread) Just screw it on and turn on the water. See how much pressure you have. If it is too high, turn the bolt or screw on the top of the PRV to the LEFT about 1/2 turn and re-test.

That is the easiest problem to remedy and the most common. There are other ways to approach it, but they are much more involved.

[micah360]

this guy is really good. I've used him twice and he's fast and fair. I found him through a referral on ar15.com.

http://www.rhinoplumbing.com/

[kwando]

this guy is really good. I've used him twice and he's fast and fair. I found him through a referral on ar15.com.

http://www.rhinoplumbing.com/

thx... what is your name? maybe you will get a kick back if i say i referred you