Modern copper pipes are much more prone to noise than the old lead ones. Some of these alarming bumps and thumps are more easily sorted out than you might imagine - maybe these clues will help:
A thumping noise that occurs when a tap or washing machine turns off rapidly is caused by a shock wave moving through the water in the pipe. Modern ceramic disc taps are more prone to cause this than the older screw down taps. To cure it, have a special unit fitted which contains a cushion of air or a special piston, both of which absorb the shock and kill the noise. The unit can be bought at a plumber's merchant.
A hammering noise that occurs after water has been run is caused by the ball valve in the cold water cistern bouncing up and down on the water as fresh water flows in, thus opening and closing the valve rapidly. Cure it by fixing a piece of stiff galvanised wire to a clean yoghurt pot as a handle. Attach this to the ball valve arm so that the pot is suspended just below water level. It will pull the ball valve arm down, preventing the vibration that causes the noise.
A clicking noise, often heard when a central heating system is heating up or cooling down, is caused by the pipes rubbing against wood as they expand and contract. If you can gain access to the pipes, slip heavy-gauge polythene sheeting between pipe and timber, or apply graphite to the wood.
