Why My Shower Sounds Like A Machine Gun [Solved]

These days, most shower systems in the bathroom are constructed based on pressure valves. A noticeable drawback of this function is it can make some irritating noises sometimes. If you’re also hearing some rough firing-like sounds from your shower system, you’d indeed wonder, “Why does my shower sounds like a machine gun?”

Generally, your shower can sound like an engine or machine gun when water hammering exists. Also, the collision of the water pipes with the walls or other pipes can also make this weird noise every time your turn on the valve of your shower. In short, a bad pressure system causes this trouble.

If you have some basic plumbing tools, you can easily identify the problem and fix it without even hiring an expert hand. So, let’s figure out how you can fix the noisy shower all by yourself. 

Why My Shower Sounds Like A Machine Gun [Solved]

There are specific reasons that can cause water pipes to vibrate and make noise. Most parts of those reasons are related to the lack of pressure regulation. Thus, you can ultimately blame the flawed pressure system as the key culprit behind the problem.  

Whatsoever, solely blaming the pressure system isn’t the right thing. Even a tiny mistake in assembling the water connection can also create noisy faucets and rattling pipes in walls. That’s why I’m specifying 4 big facts below. 

Note: You can also read how to fix the Kohler Shower valve no hot water.

1. Water Hammer

Water flow with high pressure often creates pressure surges. The end result of pressure surges together is the water hammering issue.

It can happen when the valves aren’t well-compatible with the pressure level of the water, or cold and hot water valves aren’t evenly matched. A noisy shower is clearly one of the effects of the water hammer. 

Solution: 

• First of all, try to reinstall the valves. Tighten the valves evenly with a screwdriver or wrench while reinstalling. 
• If reinstalling the valves doesn’t work, you can lower the pressure of water from the main supply line or pump. 
• The last resort to prevent water hammering is installing water hammer hose arrestors. You need to install one water hammer arrestor for each shower valve. 

2. Clogged And Faulty Valves/Cartridges

Valves and cartridges determine the flow amount, direction, and speed of the water. If any of the shower’s valves or cartridges get clogged, the supply gets interrupted and starts to hit the whole system body which would make the showerhead sound like a machine gun. 

Moreover, damaged components also fail to control the water flow and often deliver overflowing that also makes some bad noises. 

Solution: 

• Take out the valves and cartridges and clean them to make the water gateway smoother than before. You can use a solvent to eliminate clogs and clear the paths. 
• But if the parts are way too clogged or contain irreparable damages, you better change them without any delay. 

3. Loose Piping

If the joints of the shower piping aren’t tightened well during the installation, they’d be unable to handle the water flow and shake a lot.

Because of unnecessary movements and collisions between the rattling pipes, you can hear sounds specifically from the inside of the pipes, not the showerhead or faucet. 

Solution: 

• Have a roll of pipe sealant tape. Use it to tighten the joints. Better if you twist the parts together using a wrench here. 

4. Air Chamber With Water

The air chambers are to absorb the shockwaves created by the water flow. In simple words, air chambers are to eliminate water vibration in pipes.

When the chambers don’t remain empty and get filled with water, they fail to absorb any vibration and allow the waves to hit the valves and walls. 

Solution: 

The solution to fixing air chambers doesn’t require any tools or extra labor. All you need to do is turn off the main supply and open all the valves in your house. 

When the valves empty the water storage of your home, simply turn on the main supply valve again. The draining of water at first makes the air chambers empty. And the refill would bring the chambers back to their usual duty. 

What If All of Those Reasons Don’t Match My Shower’s Situation?

Well, no plumber can say that only those four reasons can make your shower sound like a machine gun. For instance, if another valve somewhere near the shower creates some imbalance in the supply, you can find several faucets in your home being noisy. It’s hard for anybody to identify which valve is at fault in this case. 

Another reason can be a fully worn-out shower set. Bathroom fittings don’t last forever. If you don’t replace them as soon as possible when they’re almost dead, they can damage the main water system in your home. 

Thus, if you can’t find the reasons why you have a noisy shower, hire a plumber to fix the issue. Because the thing’s not in your hands anymore. 

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Noisy Shower?

According to Fixr, you may have to spend more than 100$ to repair showers that make bad sounds. But sometimes, small fixes can even cost you less than 50$ if you’re lucky. 

However, the estimated cost range can vary depending on where your house is and which shower model you’re using. For that, it’s tough to assume the exact amount you need to spend on diagnosing why water pipes vibrate when water is turned on and fixing the noisy showerhead. 

FAQs:

Summary

If the noise from your shower sounds like bullets are being fired from a gun, don’t get panicked. Instead, try to understand from where the noise is actually coming. By identifying the main source, you can put yourself just one step behind in fixing the error. 

There’s nothing to worry about, to be honest. In most cases, you’d see showers becoming noisy for any of the four reasons mentioned above. If not, then don’t hesitate to call a plumber nearby. You can also let us know about your situation to get some quick pro tips. Thank you.