Gil Strachan asked:




Q: Since we have been on higher water pressure from a new source, we are getting more noise in the pipes. Not banging or clunking, just more water moving through the system faster, kind of a “rushing” noise. The pipe into the house is plastic, then hooks into copper pipe. The noise reverberates down the whole line, and since the pipe is strapped to the floor joists, it makes the noise under the kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom. I know about having a foot or so of capped pipe going up from a line to trap air and cushion the noise of “on” and “off” clunking, but this has me stumped. I am at the point now where I am about ready to rip the strapping off and putting foam around the pipes before I strap them back up. Before I spend the money on this, I thought I would check with you to see if that is what I need to do, or can you suggest something else ? Thanks very much.

A: A reduction of 1.5:1 (typically 3/4″ to 1/2″ is commonly used to increase or maintain water pressure throughout a house. The theory is that, given constant supply pressure, restricting volume will increase velocity. Released pressure at a fixture will be compensated for by this increased velocity.

I expect your hot and cold supply pipes are 1/2 inch diameter. What diameter is the plastic feed? If the reduction is greater than 1.5:1 it’s quite likely that the velocity is great enough to cause noise in the pipe.

Check that all the shut-off valves (below the sinks etc.) are completely open. They too, can cause turbulence/noise by restricting water flow. Also, check all the pipes to see if there are any crushed or dented sections.

Foam wrap is a great for insulating purposes, but perhaps a little too soft for noise damping (it would crush flat). By all means, wrap the pipes, but use denser rubber for vibration pads. Extra bracing (for clamping to) might also help.

Alternative: Before you start pulling out nails, check the water velocity at your fixtures, and if it is extremely high, a pressure reducing valve can be installed on the supply line.

Ian Pennington asked:




When it comes to ideas for landscaping a hill, it can be a tough decision what to go for. Do you want something simple and easy to care for? Or something rather stylish and interesting? There are many things you can do, as living by a hill can be stunning. But there are several things you must consider before you try, as landscaping a hill can be a challenge.

One of the things you should take into consideration is just how steep your hill is. You must also keep in mind the type of soil you have to work with, erosion, and landslides towards the neighbors below you.

On steep hills your options might be limited, though, not at all entirely gone. For a more gentle slope, your options open up quite a bit more.

As for erosion and landslides, a good idea might be to plant trees, as the root system may aid in stopping these two events. Building a retaining wall a few feet up the hill will also help to manage erosion and landslides.

Now for the creative part! For a gentle slope, planting a garden with the colorful local flora, or creating terrace gardens. You can also build a rock path, for both beauty and functionality. Rock gardens, water features and even boulder structures are other great ideas. Amazingly enough, boulders come in various colors–reds, yellows, whites and grays, amongst others–and various sizes and shapes, so you can make some really beautiful pieces of natural artwork.

Some other ideas for landscaping a hill, especially a steep one, starts with the retaining wall. It sounds a bit daunting, but actually, it is relatively simple and can make for a stunning scene. For a steep hill, segment your hill into two halves with a retaining wall divider and place your wall on the least steep area. Also, by adding splashes of color with flowers, you will create a beautiful and functional backdrop.

You can also add a paved pathway for easy access up your steep hill. This will help in preventing erosion and give a simple way up and down your hill. You might, however, prefer a curved pathway, both for a more natural look and for easier transport of items.

If you are less concerned about the aesthetic appeal, and more about the ease of maintenance, some ideas for landscaping a hill would be to use mulch or bark. It is very simple to do and will cut out the mowing and upkeep. However, you should keep erosion in mind with this choice. One way of preventing it is to add some shrubs. There will be a bit of gardening involved, but very mild work in comparison to a hill covered in grass and flowers. Adding shrubs will also add a bit to the visual appeal of your hill.

So whether your hill is mild or steep, there are many options available. Think of your hill as a blank slate, and be creative with it.