Why You Hear Loud Noises When the Upstairs Faucet Is Turned On

If you've been using a faucet for a long time, it's common for it to start making loud flowing noises. In this case, it's important to pinpoint the cause and take appropriate measures to address it. So why does the sound of water flow from the faucet upstairs become particularly loud downstairs? Let's take a look together.

Why does the sound of water flow from the faucet upstairs become particularly loud downstairs?

1. The most common reason for a loud noise downstairs when the faucet upstairs is turned on is that the screws securing the washer inside the faucet may have become loose. This causes the washer to have more movement. When the faucet upstairs is opened, the pipes downstairs may resonate as a result, leading to particularly loud sounds.

2. The issue of loud noises downstairs when the faucet upstairs is used is generally complex. To identify the specific cause, one usually needs to consider factors such as the equipment's model, the number of floors in the building, the number of floors the homeowner lives on, and the type of noise emitted downstairs. Generally speaking, the loud noise downstairs is likely due to a faulty component inside the faucet.

3. If the homeowner is using a stop valve, especially one that has a low inlet and high outlet with a hand wheel, the issue could be that the stop valve was installed incorrectly or that the valve core and the middle screw are not integrated. Therefore, when the faucet upstairs is turned on, the flow rate can cause movement in the valve inside the stop valve, leading to loud noises downstairs.

4. If the homeowner lives on a high floor, the main pipe generally has a pressure-reducing valve installed. When the pressure-reducing valve malfunctions, it can also cause a loud noise downstairs when the faucet upstairs is opened. In this case, the homeowner should identify the specific location of the noise; while the faucet is turned on, they can feel the vibrations in the metal pipes to determine where the noise is coming from.

5. During the installation of the water pipes, it is necessary to use clamps for secure fixing. Even when passing through walls, there shouldn't be gaps left between the pipes and walls. If gaps are present, the flow of water inside the pipes can cause vibrations, which might lead to resonance with other objects, resulting in noise.

6. If the water pipes or faucets in adjacent areas are not properly secured with clamps, it can also lead to noises from the pipes. To address the noise issue, one should try to avoid leaving gaps between the pipes and walls or other objects. Alternatively, one can place pads or use clamps to secure them based on the specific situation.

7. When the rubber washer in the faucet shows signs of aging, it can also cause the faucet to make noise. In this case, replacing the old washer with a new one is necessary. Since the water pressure in the pipes is generally high, if the faucet is closed suddenly and forcefully, it can cause a vacuum inside the pipes, leading to a phenomenon known as water hammer. To avoid this, one should reopen the faucet when noise occurs and gradually close it again to effectively prevent the water hammer from happening.

The above is a detailed explanation of why the sound of water flow from the faucet upstairs can be particularly loud downstairs. I hope it helps clarify some doubts. There are multiple causes for the loud noises when the faucet upstairs is used, so homeowners should first identify the reasons before proceeding with solutions.