Water hammer is the loud banging noise you hear in your pipes, typically when you turn a faucet on or off. You might also hear water hammer when you use your dishwasher, washing machine, or flush the toilet. You may think of this as just an annoying noise, but it’s actually a sign of a problem that can become serious. The article below will explain what water hammer is, what causes it, and what some of the solutions might be. At Pure Plumbing & Air, we can identify the cause of your water hammer problem and resolve it.
What Is Water Hammer?
A sudden change in the rate at which water flows through your pipes, known as the “flow rate,” is the cause of water hammer. When the flow rate changes abruptly, it creates a change in pressure. If there is nothing to absorb that pressure, the result is a shockwave. That shockwave, in turn, causes the hammering sound that you hear. This pressure change can happen when a faucet or valve closes. It can also happen when a valve opens, but this is less common.
Note that pipes may clatter for other reasons, and this is not the same thing as water hammer. Water hammer refers to the distinct banging noise that results from a sudden change in flow rate.
How Does Water Hammer Affect Your System?
Even if water hammer only caused a lot of noise and no other issues, you’d still have some problems on your hands. The banging can be loud enough to wake up anyone sleeping or disturb someone trying to work.
However, it’s more than an alarming sound. The pressure that causes it can weaken your pipes, leading to leaks and ruptures, and this may result in water damage to your home. If your house is not connected to the municipal water system and instead uses a pump, it can damage that as well. Think of the banging noise as an early alert that something is wrong. It’s important to contact a professional as soon as you notice it, so that the problem doesn’t become worse and more expensive to repair.
Causes of Water Hammer
There are a few common causes of water hammer, and in some cases, a combination of the factors below may all contribute. When you have one of our plumbers inspect your system rather than trying to do it yourself, you can be certain that they have addressed all the factors.
Valve Issues
All the fixtures throughout your house have valves that open and shut to release water and stop it. There are certain types of valves that close more quickly than others, resulting in higher pressure when the water stops flowing. These increase the likelihood of water hammer. Dishwashers and washing machines often have these types of valves. An example is when the drum of your washing machine fills to capacity and the valve closes quickly to prevent any more water from entering. The water that was on its way slams into the valve, creating a hammering sound.
Faulty Air Chamber
Many pipes have air chambers to handle the pressure of water coming to an abrupt stop. This decreases the likelihood of water hammer. However, the air chambers might get waterlogged, and if this happens, they can no longer absorb the shockwave.
Pump Issues
Water hammer doesn’t just cause a risk of pump damage. It can be caused by the pump itself if it switches off abruptly due to a mechanical or power failure.
Loose Pipes
When your pipes are loose, the effects of water hammer can worsen. The pressure can cause them to hammer against each other and against your walls.
Fixing Water Hammer
There are a number of remedies for water hammer depending on the source of the problem. Our experienced, local residential plumbers can accurately and efficiently diagnose the source of your water hammer issue and fix it. Only then can you be sure they will choose the right solution to your problem. Trying to do it yourself may only provide temporary relief or could cause new problems.
Replace Valves
Your valves may be old and worn and therefore need replacement. Water hammer can also occur if a valve is not able to fully open. Our plumbers can install valves that are less likely to close quickly, thereby reducing the likelihood of water hammer problems. If the valve issue you’re having is with an old appliance, it might be time to replace the appliance.
Clear the Air Chambers
If your air chambers are waterlogged, they need to be drained. The first step in doing this is to turn off the main water shutoff valve. Turning off the faucets in the house one by one, starting with the highest, drains your pipes and restores air to the air chambers.
This approach won’t be sufficient to clear your air chambers if they are clogged with buildup. In this case, they might need to be cleaned manually. Our plumbers can do this. Additionally, they can determine whether you have air chambers and can install them if you don’t.
Pressure Reduction Valve
Sometimes, water hammer happens because your water pressure is too high. In this case, another option is installing a pressure reduction valve at the main water line. If you already have this type of valve, adjusting it may reduce pressure and resolve the issue. A potential drawback is that it could reduce water pressure in undesirable ways, such as affecting your shower.
Water Hammer Arrestor
These work similarly to air chambers, but they compress air with a piston to manage the pressure in your pipes. This can be a good long-term solution to water hammer issues.
Stabilize or Insulate Pipes
It may be necessary to stabilize water supply lines or pipes to reduce water hammer. Pipe straps that have secured water supply lines may have come loose and need tightening, or additional straps may be required. Foam pipe insulation can also help prevent pipes from banging together.
Plumbing Upgrade or Change to Pipe Layout
If you have an old plumbing system, it may simply not have the capacity to reduce water hammer. In this case, our plumbers can upgrade your fixtures and pipes to improve their functioning. It’s also possible that a less drastic solution, such as adjusting the layout in certain areas, could resolve the problem.
Trust Us for Plumbing Service in Las Vegas
At Pure Plumbing & Air, we’ve been helping customers in the Las Vegas, NV area since 2013, and we’ve won numerous awards for our excellent service. Our plumbing services team uses the most up-to-date equipment in our work. We’re also focused on eco-friendly solutions. We can assist you if you are experiencing water hammer or any other plumbing issues, including problems with your sewer or drains.
We can also install water heaters, replace fixtures, and perform other services. Contact Pure Plumbing & Air today for all your plumbing needs.
