Recirculating pump - Noise in pipes

**mds** · 01-22-2009, 10:05 AM

I have a recirculating pump in my two story house. My master bathroom is at the other end of the house from the hot water heater. There is a noise emanating from the attic above the master bathroom
that is a mechanical noise (e.g. consistent pace) that happens daily, but especially in the middle of the night and sometimes after using hot water. Recently we had a power outage and as soon as the power turned back on, the clicking noise returned. It seems to have something to do with the recirculating pump (or the piping system over the Master), but I don't know what would make this noise. It is 3 years old and has been an ongoing problem (probably even increasing in frequency). Does anyone have any thoughts on how to diagnose and/or fix the problem?
Thanks,
MDS

**Redwood** · 01-22-2009, 07:56 PM

Check valve?

**pmoe** · 01-23-2009, 10:35 AM

FWIW, I just installed a Laing Autocirc1 and also noticed a noise emanating from my walls afterwards. I'm curious to know what is going on.

**mds** · 01-23-2009, 06:23 PM

What does an air scoop do and where would it be? Would it be at the water heater or elsewhere in the piping for the recirculating pump?

Thanks,
MDS

**mds** · 01-23-2009, 06:24 PM

When you say "check valve" - what valve? At which location? Sorry, but I don't know much about this.
Thanks,
MDS

**jadnashua** · 01-23-2009, 06:27 PM

You should not need an air scoop in a potable water system.

Somewhere in the loop, you need a check valve. It could be built into the pump, or other controls, and may not be a separate installation.

**mds** · 01-26-2009, 09:13 AM

What does the check valve do? How would that impact on the noise that I described?
Thanks,
MDS

**C NUMB** · 01-26-2009, 09:42 AM

My question to you all, Is the water piping Copper, Pex, or CPVC. Pex and CPVC will expand and contract on the hot lines and if strapped tight against studs it will make a noise like water dripping or the clicking noise you hear.