Singing Plumbing

Steve@Advance · Apr 2, 2017

Plumbing is a tool, isn't it?

Boss asked me a question I don't have a good answer for...

He recently had his bathroom remodeled, new shower, probably some minor plumbing modifications by questionably qualified technicians.

The shower has a Delta single lever valve with the separate temperature control lever. Since the new shower was installed, sometimes the plumbing will "sing" when valve is open. He says he can turn it off and back on, which may or may not stop the singing, or may temporary stop it, then it starts again.

The house is plumbed with copper. I don't know what was used to connect the new valve, I suspect Pex, but they may have used copper. He is on city water, so I don't suspect air or varying pressure.

From what I understand, the valve has an internal temperature regulating thermostat. I suspect there may be something loose inside the valve cartridge.

Any suggestions before I replace the cartridge?

Thanks!

JMS/.MN · Apr 2, 2017

This Old House had a segment explaining how they work...had a cutaway valve IIRC. Maybe they/others would have a vid on that?

Stephen Newell · Apr 2, 2017

Singing plumbing is caused by air in the pipes. I always install air chambers when doing copper or galvanized plumbing.

kcm.MN · Apr 2, 2017

Not "just" air in pipes nowdays, but also air at the faucet. All faucets nowdays draw in air, which is supposed to work as a water-saving feature. Sometimes the air inlet valve can be a bit narrow (sort of like pulling on the end of a filled balloon) causing the faucet to "sing" while running. Do some research on the particular model faucet you have. Take it apart and then put it back together, or even just wiggle around the various components without completely removing them. This usually helps for a while, but the "singing" will likely return at some point. If too much of a problem, might have to buy new components or, worst case scenario, a new faucet. This problem is becoming more and more common as manufacturers keep pushing the envelope to bring in as much air as possible while taking up as little space as possible.

MarkB_MI · Apr 3, 2017

The singing is caused by the pipes resonating. Turning on the shower water just provide the stimulus for the pipes to vibrate, but if they can't vibrate they won't make any noise. My guess is the pipe from the valve to the shower head isn't securely fastened to the wall; obviously this isn't easy to fix in a finished shower. If it's the pipe from the valve to the shower head, you should be able to make the noise stop by holding the outlet pipe.

runwoolf · Apr 3, 2017

Steve, First I would remove the flow restricter from the shower head. If that does not solve the problem I would remove cartridge and flush out the valve for minute or so. Third I would call Delta and ask for a new cartridge (should be free), also if you get the right person they may have some other ideas.

newhollandnut · Apr 3, 2017

My shower at home makes my pressure regulating valve make an odd whining noise sometimes it won't do it for a week, sometimes it will do it all week

Charles in Aus. · Apr 3, 2017

Most probably the cause runwolf . Since our 15 year drought flow restrictors became mandatory for all new installations causing no end of trouble, including singing pipes . Tear the bloody thing out and throw it at your enemies Steve .

glennster · Apr 3, 2017

dont know if this is your problem or not, but i ran into a similar problem at one of my rentals. when using the shower, there was a very loud resonating noise, i guess you could call it singing. fooled around with it, changed the faucet cartride and that didnt help. turns out the diverter valve that is on the tub fill spout had worn on the slides and the vibration came from there. replaces the spout and that solved the problem.

Texasmark1 · Apr 3, 2017

I bought a bathroom sink faucet assy. once made of chrome plated plastic and it sang. Replaced with a much higher priced chrome plated brass and it quit. Never had a singing problem before since my control valves on the shower and everything else in the house were brass. Never had a plastic control valve before. You figure.

David G · Apr 3, 2017

I would suspect something loose and vibrating when just right.

Steven-Id · Apr 3, 2017

I would try taking out the flow restrictor first and see if that helps. The reason I say that is I just replaced the kitchen faucet in our house and it will sing occasionally. I didn't change anything but the faucet so that should eliminate pipes moving etc. I hadn't thought about the flow restrictor but I am going to try that on mine since nothing else changed.

Steven

Singing Plumbing

Steve@Advance

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JMS/.MN

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Stephen Newell

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kcm.MN

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MarkB_MI

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runwoolf

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newhollandnut

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Charles in Aus.

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glennster

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Texasmark1

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David G

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Steven-Id

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