Plumbing Problem---> Help? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Alana Flames · 08-14-2007, 10:18 AM

If there are any plumbers out there or random Handy-men I'd appreciate the help on this one!

I live in a condo built in '73, and it has the original pipes and hot water heater. Sometimes when I turn on the hot water tape, only to the shower it makes the loudest rumbling/honking noise. It wakes up neighbors. Usually when this happens it also feels as though the water flow is restricted as well? Or maybe it just comes out less. Sometimes it doesn't do this and someone experienced with my shower can usually avoid it, but more often than not lately, it's been doing this.

I tried turning down the heat in the hot water heater thinking it might be too hot and the steam was an issue but that hasn't done much.

I should re-itterate that this is SO LOUD. My boyfriend describes it as "the shower is honking at me". And it's constant, it's not a thumping or anything like that. And it doesn't do this to any source other than the shower.

I should also maybe mention that the hot water heater is directly below the shower, on the lower floor.

Please help! I feel like the world's worst landlord cause I can't even figure out how to fix it....

THANK YOU

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-14-2007, 10:26 AM

Inform the Condo Board - pipes behind the wall are the responsiblity of the Board, not the owner. Is this a self managed building?

Alana Flames · 08-14-2007, 10:29 AM

the "condo board" consists of myself and two other guys... there are only three owners and four units. It's more of a townhouse type-thing and it's completely self-managed.

ken0042 · 08-14-2007, 10:47 AM

I think I know the sound you are talking about. My grandparents' old house used to make that sound as well too; from the hot water line on one tap. It was a sort of "MUUUUUUUUUURRRRP!" sound, right? I think the problem was the line was partially blocked; due to hard water build up on a connection that had too much glue onto the inside of the pipe.

Alana Flames · 08-14-2007, 10:51 AM

....perhaps?
So how do you figure I should go about fixing that? Would I have to replace the pipes or is there some sort of pipe-cleaning chemical I can use?

GoinAllTheWay · 08-14-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alana Flames

or is there some sort of pipe-cleaning chemical I can use?

Doubt there is anything like that you could acutaly use as your water is being constantly delivered at something like 25 pounds/sq inch. Is this a recent event or been that way all along? It sounds as though you are getting significant backpressure from something, if it's only in the shower my first thought would be either the shower head or faucets. I would try removing the shower head and turning the hot on full, easiest place to start trouble shooting. If you remove the shower head and you get good flow, you have found the culprit.

JohnnyO · 08-14-2007, 12:39 PM

When this happens Flush the toilet or run the sink and see if it stops.

Their is likely too much pressure in the line.

If you have access to the valve on the line make sure it is open all the way as well.

GoinAllTheWay · 08-14-2007, 12:48 PM

Here is another thought, when you shut the water off, do you hear a banging noise? If you do you may be getting a water hammer meaning the pipes feeding the shower are not properly secured to the wall, this one is less likely but thought I would throw it out there.

Alana Flames · 08-14-2007, 12:51 PM

I took off the panel on the other side of the wall from the tub once to try and listen to where it's coming where and it seemed to be below the tub...

It's not the shower head- it does it when the tub taps run too.

That suggestion to run another tap when it does it is interesting. If it's pressure would a larger pipe help?

And I'm supposed to check what valve to make sure it's open all the way? Where would such a valve be hiding? I have access to everything because the hot water heater is just for my unit.

Thank you- I'm sorry I'm so useless:P

JohnnyO · 08-14-2007, 12:53 PM

Try shutting off the valve to the toilet as well and see if it stops.

Alana Flames · 08-14-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Here is another thought, when you shut the water off, do you hear a banging noise? If you do you may be getting a water hammer meaning the pipes feeding the shower are not properly secured to the wall, this one is less likely but thought I would throw it out there.

Nah I've already established it's not water hammer. That was in my "Quick Fixes for the Home" book....
When that book proved useless I came looking here

JohnnyO · 08-14-2007, 12:55 PM

There may or not be a valve to the individual line only the main valve (from the street) or look above the hot water tank and the should be 2 valves make sure they are fully open.

JohnnyO · 08-14-2007, 12:59 PM

I am willing to bet it is your toilet casuing the problem. If the noise stops when you shut off the water supply to the toilet, replace the ballock and or washer (see diagram)

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to...-a-toilet4.htm

Flames_Gimp · 08-14-2007, 07:06 PM

could be the shower/bath valve? maybe need new cartridges/o rings?

kchadden · 08-14-2007, 09:10 PM

I would bet you need to replace the shower valve. It is probably just worn out. You could try replacing some parts on the valve, but if it is from '73 it would probably be easier to just do the whole valve.