How to Stop Irritating Banging Noises by Flushing Air Out of Your Home's Plumbing System

In a perfect world, the plumbing system in your home would function without problems and never make any sounds. However, the reality is that most plumbing systems make some banging, clunking, or squeaking noises as they age.

While squeaking noises are typically caused by the normal and unpreventable expansion and contraction of copper pipes, other noises—such as banging and clunking—are caused by trapped air and are harmful to pipes and fixtures.

If the pipes in your home are making clunking or banging noises, then flushing all of the air out of the plumbing system should fix the problem. To properly do so, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Valve

To remove excess air from your home's plumbing, you need to completely drain the system. The first step in doing so is to turn off the water either at the street valve or where the water comes into your home.

Step 2: Open All of the Water Faucets on Your Property

Once the main water supply is off, walk around your home and open up all of the water faucets. Let the water run until it no longer comes out of any of the taps.

Step 3: Turn Back On the Main Water Valve

Now that all the faucets are open and no more water is coming out of any of them, turn the main water valve back on. As the system fills back up with water, it will push out any excess air bubbles and a steady stream of water will flow from each faucet.

Step 4: Close the Faucets in Order from Lowest to Highest Elevation

Once water is steadily flowing out of all of the faucets, then start closing them one at a time. To prevent air from getting trapped again, close the faucets in order from the lowest in elevation to the highest starting with those closest to the main water line. Typically, your exterior faucets are lower in elevation than those in your kitchen and bathrooms.

Step 5: Test the Plumbing System for Noises

After you have closed off all of the faucets, walk around your home and slowly open each one and close it again. As you do so, place your hand below each tap and check for air coming out just before the water emerges. Also, listen carefully for any noises coming from the pipes.

If your plumbing is now free of air and noises, then the trapped air problem is fixed. However, if you still have plumbing noises or leaking air after flushing out the system, then it is appropriate to have a plumbing service visit your home to inspect the system and determine the cause.