If your home has been plagued by a constant, irritating thumping and vibrating sound whenever a faucet or shower is turned on or off, you may have a water hammer problem. But what exactly is a water hammer?
This article will provide a short but informative piece about water hammer, its causes, and potential solutions.
What Is A Water Hammer?
A water hammer happens when water flow is abruptly stopped, causing the water to rebound off the valve used to control the flow. The reverse or rebound creates a vacuum or suction that draws water back to the valve, producing a loud vibrating sound.
The plumbing pipes will make noises like jangling, vibrating, thumping, and squeaking as water is suddenly turned on and off. Consequently, a water hammer can be felt and heard throughout the plumbing system.
Meanwhile, the valve could break if the water pressure is too high, leading to water leakage and potential damage to your home. A water hammer may start as nothing more than noisy pipes, but if you don’t take care of it immediately, it may soon damage your plumbing.
To ensure that it doesn’t get any worse, it’s best to take action as soon as you successfully diagnose it as a water hammer. If you’re in Sydney and don’t have the time and skills to fix it, search for a reliable plumber inner west areas or nearby services, such as FXD Plumbing, that can help you fix your plumbing issues.
Common Causes Of Water Hammer
The majority of water hammers can be attributed to the following causes:
- Ball Or Float Valves
A ball or float valve is commonly used to regulate the water level in open water tanks. A water hammer can occur when the float moves up and down due to the influx of water. This causes the valve to open and close repeatedly, sending intense vibrations through the pipes.
- Worn Stop Valves
Loose gland packing or worn washer jumps in shutoff valves or faucets are a common source of water hammer. When a water hammer shock wave travels through a pipe system, it can shake the valve handle and a loose jumper, potentially causing severe damage.
- Trapped Air Within Pipes
A vacuum is formed when the upstream valve of a pipe is closed while the downstream valve is left open. Because of the vacuum, it may produce a water-hammering sound. At worst, it may cause a downhill pipe to collapse.
- Poorly Performed Pipework
If ever you recently had your pipework installed or repaired, and you get anything similar to what water hammer is described, then it’s probably a water hammer issue.
Potential Remedies For Water Hammers
Depending on the cause of the water hammer issue, it may be simple or challenging to resolve. However, if you have a basic understanding of plumbing and the necessary tools, such as pipe wrenches, you can perform most of these repairs.
Additionally, it helps if you have previously encountered and resolved other bathroom issues. If not, have no fear. These tips are simple enough for novices and experts alike.
- Adjust Your Valves Half-Way
It’s not a permanent repair, but it can help with a water hammer issue while you wait for the real problem to be addressed. Closing the water supply valve too quickly can result in a water hammer, which is why washing machines and dishwashers are often culprits. Therefore, try only partially opening the intake valves.
- Remove Possible Air Pockets
Air pockets in the plumbing system can often result in an annoying hammering noise. Most of the time, air pockets are to blame if the noise begins as soon as you turn on the faucets. To stop the water hammer, turn on each faucet individually, beginning with the one closest to the water meter.
In such a case, go back through the list and switch off each item in the opposite order. There’s a chance that doing this will cause trapped air in your plumbing to escape.
- Check For Any Loose Water Pipes
When the water pressure fluctuates, suspended or loose pipes might cause a rattling or thumping sound. So, ensure that the pipelines are securely attached to the wall studs. It’s advisable to use clamps made of plastic or nylon rather than metal, and consider using screws rather than nails.
To dampen any clanking, wrap the pipe with electrical tape, a plumber’s tape, an inner tube, or a spare rubber hose before installing the clamp. The pipes generally need to be fastened every six feet. If they’re supported but still make a loud noise, secure them every two feet. Remember that the water pipes still need room to expand even with the clamp on them.
If you’ve identified the problematic pipe, valve, or faucet, you may consider investing in a water hammer arrester that costs around USD$10. A water hammer arrestor remedies this issue with an air cushion that absorbs the momentum, thereby eliminating any water hammering.
- Contact A Reliable Plumber
Suppose you’ve attempted the solutions mentioned above but have been unsuccessful. It may be necessary to call a professional plumber to fix the problem if the source is unusual or difficult to access. In the long run, it could be more cost-effective to seek expert help if the issue is complex. Attempting to solve the problem on your own may make things worse.
Takeaway
Fixing a water hammer problem requires an understanding of the issue, its common causes, and possible solutions. Seeking professional assistance is essential to solving water hammering issues as soon as possible. Otherwise, they can worsen and cause additional damage to your water pipe system, home, and appliances.
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