Not water hammer then what?

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Not water hammer then what?

Author: plumbing_mom (VA)

My pipes make funny noises when water is turned on. It's sort of a low scratching, stomach-grumbling type of sound. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold but it's not any time the water is turned on. I know I've heard it with the kitchen sink, the main floor toilet and sink, and one of the upstairs showers. I don't necessarily hear it with the other bathroom's shower and/or toilet, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. If it does it's just not loud enough to hear it in that part of the house.

My understanding is that water hammer only happens when the water is shut off. This only happens when water is turned on, and it doesn't go away until it's turned off. Sometimes it lingers a little after, such as after the toilet tank is finished filling the noise continues for maybe 10-15 seconds. It never happens unless water had been turned on.

I checked the main floor water pressure using the outdoor spigots - the pressure is about 48psi.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Re: Not water hammer then what?
Author: packy (MA) do you have a pressure reducing valve in your water main??
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Re: Not water hammer then what?
Author: plumbing_mom (VA) Yes. I assume it's the original one. The house is 18 years old.
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Re: Not water hammer then what?
Author: North Carolina Plumber (NC) The pressure reducing valve would be my first guess.
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