Water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, can cause loud banging noises in your home’s plumbing system. This issue occurs when the flow of water inside pipes is suddenly forced to stop or change direction rapidly. The momentum of the moving water causes shock waves that reverberate through the pipes, creating those dramatic sounds. Left unchecked, water hammer can eventually lead to extensive and costly damage.
What Causes Water Hammer?
There are a few common causes of water hammer:
- Quickly turning off faucets or valves. This sudden stoppage reverses the directional flow of water.
- Malfunctioning appliances connected to the plumbing system. Dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets use solenoid valves that can cause hammering noises when they close abruptly.
- Excessive water pressure. High pressure inside pipes amplifies the intensity of the shock waves.
- Loose mounting straps or pipe clamps. This allows pipes to knock around when disturbed by water hammer.
- Clogged water filters or restricted pipes. Any blockages or narrowing in the pipes can exaggerate pressure changes.
- Worn washers or gaskets in valves and taps. Water is able to flow back through the worn washers when direction changes.
- Misaligned pipe fittings. Improper installation can leave weak points prone to banging and leaking.
What Type of Damage Can Water Hammer Cause?
If left unchecked, the relentless banging and stress from water hammer can lead to a number of problems:
- Leaking pipes or joints. The constant hydraulic shock can loosen pipe connections and cause seals to fail.
- cracking or bursting of pipes. The intense pressure can fracture rigid copper, PVC, or galvanized steel pipes. This leads to major leaks and water damage.
- Damaged valves, tubes, and seals in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. The components can warp and crack over time.
- Noisy plumbing that disturbs household members. The bothersome sounds get worse over time without intervention.
- Higher water bills. Leaks caused by water hammer waste large volumes of water.
- Accelerated wear and tear. Years of water hammer stresses the plumbing system and shortens its lifespan.
How to Fix Water Hammer
Repairing water hammer will stop the bothersome banging noises, prevent leaks, and reduce strain on your plumbing system. Here are some effective DIY solutions:
Install water hammer arrestors – These shock-absorbing devices are installed near problem areas to dissipate the hydraulic shock waves. They come in quick-connect designs for easy DIY installation.
Replace faulty solenoid valves – For hammering noises coming from appliances, replacing worn solenoid valves can instantly stop the problem at its source.
Secure loose pipes – Use brackets, straps, or clamps to firmly anchor rattling pipes and prevent movement when shock waves hit.
Increase pipe size – Replacing affected pipes with larger diameters allows water to flow with less turbulence, reducing shock waves.
Add an accumulator tank – This tank temporarily stores a cushion of compressed air near the water meter to act as a shock dampener.
Adjust water pressure – Installing a pressure reducing valve can lower excessive system pressure below 80 psi to help control water hammer.
Service air chambers – These devices near water heaters and pumps need occasional air pressure checks and refills to function properly.
Flush debris from pipes – Removing built-up sediment and mineral deposits can open up constricted pipes that contribute to water hammer.
When to Call a Plumber for Water Hammer Issues
For severe or persistent water hammer problems, it’s best to have an experienced plumber inspect your system. A professional can assess the root cause, check for leaks, and determine if any pipes need replacement. They can also map out your system’s weak points and install commercial-grade arrestors. Repiping projects, pressure regulator adjustments, and appliance valve repairs should be left to qualified experts.
Protect Your Home with Water Hammer Solutions
Uncontrolled water hammer can lead to extensive plumbing headaches down the road. But some simple DIY fixes like installing arrestors can usually solve the problem and prevent damage. For more persistent issues, rely on the expertise of professional plumbers to pinpoint and repair the cause of unwanted noise and strain on your system. Stop putting up with the nuisance of water hammer and protect your home from leaks and pipe failures.