About that water hammer—honestly, I’ve run into it way more in older copper lines than PEX. PEX has a bit of give, so usually it’s the high pressure or sudden valve closures causing the bang, not the pipe material itself. Sometimes people swap out pipes and forget to check if their shutoff valves are “fast-closing” types, like on new washing machines or dishwashers. Those can really make the hammer worse.
- Hammer arrestors help, sure, but if you’re still hearing noise, it’s worth checking if your system pressure is too high. A lot of homes are set over 80 psi from the street—way more than you need.
- Pressure regulator adjustments can make a big difference. I’ve seen cases where just dialing down from 80 to 60 psi solved both noise and taste issues (PEX leaching can be worse at higher pressures).
- That plasticky taste? Usually fades, but flushing the lines for a few days can speed things up.
Not saying your plumber was wrong, but sometimes it’s more about pressure and valve types than just the pipe swap.
Water Pressure Woes—Anyone Else Dealt With This?
You nailed it about the fast-closing valves. Those things are like the ninjas of water hammer—quiet until they strike, then suddenly your pipes sound like a drumline. I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s called me out for “noisy pipes” after swapping in a new washing machine or dishwasher. Nine times out of ten, it’s that quick shutoff slamming the water to a stop.
Pressure’s a sneaky culprit too. Most folks don’t realize their pressure regulator is either missing or set way too high. I’ve seen gauges hit 100 psi in some older neighborhoods... at that point, you’re basically running a car wash at home. Not great for pipes, appliances, or your nerves.
Funny story—one time I had a customer convinced their house was haunted because of the banging in the walls. Turned out their regulator was stuck wide open and every time they flushed, it sounded like poltergeists were having a party in the basement. Dropped it down to 55 psi and suddenly, peace and quiet (and no more ghost stories).
That plasticky taste from PEX is real, but yeah, it usually fades after a week or so. If it lingers, sometimes it’s worth checking if the water heater is set too high—hotter water can pull more flavor out of new pipes. Flushing helps, but patience is key.
One thing I’ll mildly disagree on: copper can still get water hammer if the supports are loose or missing. Seen plenty of old houses where the pipes rattle like maracas just because someone yanked out a bracket during a remodel.
Long story short—if you’re hearing banging or getting weird tastes, check your pressure first, then look at valve types and pipe supports. Sometimes it’s not what you swapped in, but what you didn’t notice along the way...
“Pressure’s a sneaky culprit too. Most folks don’t realize their pressure regulator is either missing or set way too high.”
That’s exactly what happened to us last year. I kept hearing this weird thud after the dishwasher ran, and honestly thought it was just old pipes. Turned out our regulator was shot and we were running at nearly 90 psi. Swapped it out myself (not as scary as I thought) and dialed it down to 55—problem solved, and I swear the faucets even sound happier. Still not convinced about PEX taste though... ours lingered for almost a month. Maybe I’m just picky.
Honestly, I get the worry about PEX taste, but for us it faded in about a week. Maybe it depends on the brand or something? We did a full repipe two years back—PEX everywhere—and yeah, there was a plasticky hint at first, but running the taps every day seemed to clear it up fast.
- Water pressure: I totally agree it’s worth checking. I bought a $10 gauge off Amazon and realized we were sitting at 80 psi. Not great for the wallet if something bursts.
- Regulator swap: Did mine too, but found a used one at the local Habitat store. Saved a chunk versus new.
- PEX taste: If it lingers, maybe try flushing with hot water or even just let it ride a bit longer? Some folks swear by letting it “season,” whatever that means.
Not saying PEX is perfect, but between cost and install time, it’s hard to beat. If copper wasn’t so pricey, maybe I’d think twice... but for now, my budget’s happy.
Water Pressure Woes—Anyone Else Dealt With This?
Had to laugh reading about the $10 gauge—been there. I keep one in the truck now, actually. In my experience, most folks don’t realize how high their pressure is until something leaks or a hose bursts. I had a place a few years back where the tenants kept complaining about “weird noises” in the pipes. Turns out, pressure was pushing 90 psi. Regulator was shot, and the previous owner never bothered to check. Ended up swapping it out, and it made a world of difference. Not just for leaks, but even the faucets stopped hammering.
PEX taste is a funny thing. Some units, I barely notice it. Others, it lingers for a month. I’ve tried the “seasoning” trick—basically just running water for a while. Hot water helps, but honestly, I think it’s just time that does the trick. Never had a tenant complain after the first couple weeks, though.
Copper’s nice, but I can’t justify the cost anymore. Last time I priced it out, it was almost double what PEX cost me, and that’s not even counting labor. If you’re running a bunch of rentals, it adds up fast. Only thing I miss is the peace of mind—copper just feels sturdier, you know? But PEX is quick, cheap, and hasn’t given me any real headaches yet.
Habitat store tip is solid. I’ve picked up a few regulators and even some shutoff valves there for next to nothing. Worth checking if you’re trying to keep costs down.
Pressure’s one of those things people ignore until it bites them. I check mine every six months now, just to be safe. Cheaper than dealing with a flood.
