Trying to diagnose repetitive tapping noise on copper water line when water is running. Noise is noticeable on line after meter and along several feet of line in basement. Does not occur when low-flow faucets are used. Occurs when cold, hot, and both water run. HWH has expansion tank. Does this sound like a water pressure issue? Haven't purchased gauge yet, but trying to determine if this could be something other than requiring a pressure reducer. Thank you.

 

The sound is usually your water meter spinning quickly.

 

Thanks, but the water meter is not making any noise. I can put my ear to it. The noise starts about a couple of feet away from the meter on inside line. No noise on the feed.

 

After checking again, you appear to be correct. I got as close as possible to the meter and can hear the sound. It seems to amplified as it is carried onto the pipe. I've got a call in to the water company and will update when they confirm. Thanks again.

 

I used to live in an upstairs apartment. The meter was in the basement. I could hear that ticking upstairs clear as day.

 

I was going to suggest the sound of hot water pipes expanding and contracting in too-tight holes in the joists. My parent's house has that issue and every time the baseboard heaters warm up or hot water is used, you hear the creaking and tapping of the pipes expanding and contracting.

But sounds like the water meter is the right answer in your case. Good luck with the water company!

 

A good way to confirm that a noise is coming from a piece of equipment (water meter, pump, etc.) is to put the business end of a screwdriver on the item and press your ear to the end of the handle. Works like a stethoscope. You will hear it loud and clear.

Also works for running water. I learned this from a water company employee who was trying to isolate a leak in the street in front of my house without going inside to look at the meter. He shut off the water at the street valve and then used the screwdriver trick on an outside faucet to check. Turns out the water leaking into the street was from a broken french drain receiving water from a house up the hill that had a leaking service pipe.