Did you hear a shuddering bang of water when turning off your faucet, and are wondering what that is? You’ve got a water hammer or hydraulic shock in your pipes, and if you don’t solve the issue as fast as you can, it might lead to breakage of pipes and loss of plumbing joints. The water hammer effect also causes leakages in pipe connections and damages tap valves, dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, and water heaters, leading to costly repairs.
Are you still wondering what a water hammer is? Worry less, after going through this article, you’ll know;
- What is a water hammer?
- Causes of water hammer pulse,
- How do you fix a water hammer like a pro?
Okay, now let’s dive in.
What is Water Hammer?
A water hammer is a hydraulic shock that occurs when the water flow shuts off, causing the water to reverse the valve, which stops the flow. The rebound or reversal forms a suction or vacuum, which pulls back the water to the valve, causing a ‘bang.’
Difference between Water Hammer and Water Resonance
Both water hammer and water resonance produce loud, banging sounds. As a result, both terms are used improperly and interchangeably. When dealing with plumbing problems, it’s critical to appropriately identify both the symptoms and the root cause. Otherwise, you risk performing unnecessary repairs on the incorrect parts.
Water resonance is a quick hammering sound produced by a pipe during the flushing or filling process. On the other hand, a water hammer is a loud bang that occurs when a fill valve is turned off. Typically, old, or damaged tap washers cause this form of plumbing noise.
What are the Causes of Water Hammer?
A hydraulic shock or hammer knocking on water pipes occurs when a valve shuts off the water flow suddenly. This makes water change direction after having nowhere to go. As the water changes direction, it clashes against the closed valves or pipes’ walls, causing a loud noise. Many of us have heard thumping pipes when turning off a tap. The following are the most typical causes of water hammer:
Loose Pipes
Even the smallest shockwave can cause deafening bangs if pipes are not secured. Loose pipes are often discovered in the cellar or in an airing cupboard. Water hammers can exacerbate due to construction work that loosens water supply pipes.
Stop Valves that have Become Worn
Worn-out stop valves may also be to blame for hammer-knocking water pipes. Water hammer is the result of stop valves with loose gland packing and/or worn washers. When the water hammer shock wave travels through the pipework, the valves are usually open, and the shockwave may ‘rattle’ the valve handle and a loose jumper.
New Home Appliances
If the banging began after installing a new washing machine or dishwasher, the problem is most likely with the solenoid valves that manage the water supply in dishwashers and washing machines. These electric valves promptly cease the flow of water. When this occurs, the water revers up the pipe, causing a shock wave that causes the bang.
Filled Air Chambers
If you’ve never had a water hammer before and suddenly start experiencing it, your water system’s air chambers may be blocked. These chambers are frequently clogged with water or mineral residue found in water. The blockage will prevent the chamber from absorbing the pressure in your plumbing system, resulting in a water hammer effect.
Water Ripples from the Tank
Water ripples caused by a float valve within your water tank are another cause of hammering pipe. When water comes into the tank, the valve float moves up and down, repeatedly shutting and opening the valve. This forms a “wave system” that echoes along the pipes, resulting in the hammering sound.
How Do You Fix Water Hammer?
Fixing water hammers in the pipes doesn’t involve rocket science. If you’re a home handyperson with the right tools and some plumbing experience, you’re set to go. Here are the five ways to fix a water hammer like a pro:
01. Reduce Excessive Water Pressure at the Meter
Reducing excess water pressure is one of the easiest fixes for water hammers. Do you have a pressure-reducing valve in your home? If not, you need to request that your municipality, which controls the water system in your area, check the water pressure in your home.
The municipal water systems usually maintain water in their lines at high pressure. However, the residential water lines’ design can’t accommodate such pressure. So, the municipality would reduce the water pressure for you, free of charge.
02. Install an Air Chamber or Water Hammer Pressure
Installing an air chamber or water hammer arrestor is one of the simplest ways to fix a water hammer in your pipes. It is a short section of the vertical line that’s fitted near the valves. You won’t need a plumber to install it.
The air chamber creates an effect of the air-filled pipe and works like a tampon whenever water suddenly changes direction. When you shut off the spigot, the air chamber compresses temporarily to absorb the shock.
03. Secure Loose Pipes
Mild shock waves can cause loud banging in pipes when the lines are loose and not secured. If the pipes are loose, you’d need to tighten them with pipe straps; however, ensure that you don’t use dissimilar metals- different metals encourage electrolysis, leading to corrosion of the pipes.
Using foam pipe insulation would also come in handy; it’s fitted around the water supply pipes to prevent them from freezing. They also go a long way in cushioning loose banging lines.
The insulation is not done in all areas of your house. It is done only in areas where the pipes pass through walls. The pipes are wrapped in foam to fit in the hole, thereby preventing the noise of the pipe movement and sound transfer through the hole.
04. Install a Water-Pressure Regulator
As earlier said, the main pipe’s high water pressure can cause banging noises in your home. Normal pressure ranges from 30-55 psi. Water pressure above 55 psi can cause severe damage to your home. However, you can solve this by installing a water pressure regulator where the main water supply moves in your home and setting it to a pressure below 50 psi.
The water-pressure regulator installed in your home will protect your toilets, appliances, and other fixtures from the onslaught of high water pressure.
05. Change Bad Shower Cartridge
A shower cartridge diverts water from the bath jet to the showerhead. However, if your shower cartridge is worn-out or faulty, it may drip, causing water to come out of the spout and shower head or close with a water hammer banging.
The good thing about changing a shower cartridge is that it is an ABC thing. You only need the right tools and some DIY patience, and you’re set to go.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Turn the water supply to the cold and hot lines for the tub and shower off.
- Open the spigot to drain the water and depressurize the pipe.
- Close or cover the shower drain.
- Use the correct tool to remove the tap handle.
- Remove the cover plate covering the cartridge by removing the nut holding it in place.
- After removing the nut, pull out the cartridge gently.
- Install the new cartridge and turn on the water supply to check for leaks.
- Replace and seal the ring or cover plate if it’s not leaking, and then reattach the handle.
- Finally, clean up and pat yourself on the back for the work done.
Conclusion
After using any of the above-listed water hammer fix methods, recheck the faucet by turning it off to see if you can hear the banging sound. If not, then the water hammer effect was the cause of the noise, and you’ve successfully fixed it. So, fastening loose pipes, replacing faulty check valves, installing water hammer arrestors, and decreasing water pressure are different methods of fixing plumbing noise.
Did you encounter any challenges when fixing the water hammer in your home? If yes, kindly leave a comment in the comment box below. Your suggestions and comments are valuable to us.
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Author Bio
Fidelis Kinai – Fidelis Muti possess a bachelor’s in English and Journalism and have over four years of professional experienced writing and proofreading materials for print and online platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, and social media accounts. He also have over three years of experience as a marketing assistant and social media manager.
He is versatile and diligent and will produce exemplary content within time to meet your deadline.
He can deliver most work within 2-3 days; rush orders are accepted whenever possible. He is based in the Kenya but travel often and work for clients all over the world.
