Loose hangers can definitely make pipes sound like they're having a full-blown conversation. Had a similar issue at a client's place—every time the heating kicked in, they'd swear someone was knocking around upstairs. Turned out it was just the pipes expanding and contracting against an improperly secured bracket in the wall cavity. Tightened it up, and no more mysterious knocks.
But your tenant's take of "arguing" pipes got me thinking...if they were arguing, was it about water pressure? Temperature disagreements between hot and cold lines? Or maybe it's just gossip about all the weird stuff they've seen through leaks and cracks over the years...
Either way, good catch on tracking down that loose hanger. Those little noises can drive people nuts until you pinpoint the source.
Had a similar issue once—pipes rattling like crazy whenever the shower ran hot. Turned out to be air trapped in the lines causing water hammer. Ever checked if your system has proper air chambers or arrestors installed?
Had the same problem a while back—here's what worked for me:
- Checked pressure regulator (mine was set way too high).
- Installed cheap arrestors from the hardware store.
- Drained and refilled lines to clear trapped air.
Been quiet ever since...might save you some cash.
"Checked pressure regulator (mine was set way too high)."
Interesting you mention that. Had a similar issue at my place recently—pipes were banging like someone was trapped inside trying to get out. I initially thought it was just air pockets, drained the lines, refilled... no luck. Then I checked the pressure regulator, and weirdly enough, mine was actually set too low. Adjusted it up a bit, thinking it'd help, but nope—still noisy.
Ended up chatting with one of the senior plumbers at work who suggested checking the pipe supports and hangers. Turns out some of mine had loosened over time, allowing the pipes to vibrate and knock around whenever water flowed through. Tightened everything up and added a few extra clips here and there... problem solved.
Makes me wonder how often it's actually a combination of factors rather than just one thing causing these noises?
Had pretty much the same experience shortly after buying my house. First, I adjusted the regulator—didn't really help. Then went down the rabbit hole of checking valves, supports, and even insulation. Honestly, it felt like every time I fixed one thing, another popped up. Eventually, tightening pipe hangers and brackets quieted things down. Seems like plumbing issues rarely have a single cause...more like a domino effect. Glad you got yours sorted though, feels good when you finally nail the solution.
