How to fix water hammer

Noisy pipes when running your hot water system or doing tasks such as watering your plants using a hose should be a reason for concern. Sometimes you might hear noise from the pipes or banging sounds when you turn off your taps.

The sound in the pipes is referred to as a water hammer. It points to an issue with your piping system that requires immediate attention. This article gives you a well-detailed guide to how to fix a water hammer.

What Is A Water Hammer?

A water hammer is an issue in your water system where valves control steam or water flow. It occurs because of a high-pressure shockwave or pressure surge in the piping system when water is forced to change direction or stops instantly.

The shockwave is also known as hydraulic surge or hydraulic shock. It is usually characterised by a knocking or banging sound in your pipes immediately after you shut off the water. A water hammer could also occur when an open valve closes suddenly, slamming the water into it.

Causes Of Water Hammers

Several issues with your piping system could cause water hammers. It’s, therefore, ideal to know the actual cause of the problem so that you can resolve the problem more amicably. A thorough inspection of the piping system is necessary to understand the exact cause of the problem. Here are some of the significant reasons for water hammer in your property.

Loose pipes

One major cause of water hammers is loose pipes. Even a tiny shockwave could cause loud bangs if your pipes are not effectively secured. The most common affected areas are in your airing cupboard or cellar. Undertaking building works, or renovations could also loosen the water supply pipes, increasing the water hammer’s impact.

Consequently, it’s essential to regularly check for loose joists, bolts, or straps and fix them ASAP and, in turn, avoid this problem. Remember that even the pipes hidden under the woodwork or floor could also become loose and cause water damage to your property.

New kitchen appliances

If you hear banging sounds after installing a new dishwasher or washing machine, solenoid valves are likely to cause the problem. Washing machines and dishwashers feature a water supply controlled by solenoid valves.

These valves are electrically operated and stop water flow instantly. When this occurs, the water backs up the piping system, creating a shockwave that leads to the bang.

Worn-out stop valves

Worn-out stop valves might also cause water hammers. These valves could cause this phenomenon if they have worn-out washers or loose gland packing. The valves can open when the hammer shock wave moves through the pipes.

Blocked air chambers

If you have never experienced a water hammer in your property and suddenly have it, chances are that your water system’s air chambers are blocked. These chambers are blocked by residue from minerals in the water or the water itself. The clog stops the chamber from absorbing this pressure in your plumbing systems, leading to occasional bangs.

Water ripples emanating from the tank

A water ripple could also cause a water hammer from a float valve inside your tank. In this case, the valve rocks up and down when water flows into your tank. This, in turn, makes the valve close and open constantly.

Thereby leading to a wave system echoing in your piping system, causing the water hammer. Plastic water tanks flex considerably; therefore, if you have one, ensure it has a reinforcing plate to ensure it doesn’t move.

Fast-acting valves

Fast-acting valves on your appliances could also cause a water hammer. These valves stop water from moving along your piping system, suddenly leading to a shockwave. The shockwave makes the pipes shudder, causing a banging sound. With time, as the valves get worn out, the banging escalates.

Effects Of Water Hammer

A water hammer might sound and look like a harmless phenomenon, but this issue could cause the failure of your water flow system. This issue could also cause other problems that might be costly to repair. Below you will find some long-term effects of water hammers on your property.

Damage to your piping system

If you notice water hammers and don’t get the issue solved, it could cause severe damage to your existing valves, pumps, and other components of your plumbing systems. Additionally, it could cause catastrophic failure of expansion and gasketed joints, affecting the integrity of welded joints and pipe walls.

Leaks

This phenomenon could also damage joints, fittings, and connections resulting in leaks in your piping. The leaks begin slowly and escalate with time. You might not notice the more minor leaks leaving the surrounding areas vulnerable to damage.

Ruptured pipes

Water hammers could lead to ruptured pipes that are costly to repair. The rupture can lead to pipe failure and cause your entire system and other appliances to fail. The damage can escalate, leading to a need for significant replacements in your plumbing system.

Fixing A Water Hammer

If you experience a water hammer on your property, you should never dismiss it because of its severe effects on your property. While it may take long to see the results, with time, the issue can cause problems that are costly to repair. Here are some tips for stopping water hammers on your property.

Are the air chambers the issue?

Air chambers in your piping system can cause a water hammer. If you hear the noise immediately after you turn the taps on, the air pockets might be the cause. To fix this issue, you should start the taps from the ones closest to your meter and turn them one by one. Then turn all of them off in reverse order. This helps release the air pockets in your piping system.

Close the valves halfway

Closing the valves halfway helps fix the problem for a while before you can fix the issue altogether. The problem may be caused by shut-off valves closing very quickly, so turning the intake valves halfway can offer a short-term solution.

Replace water intake connections

You can also fix the water hammer by swapping the hoses for the intake connections of your dishwasher or other appliances with wider options.

Install water hammer arresters

Water hammer arresters are little devices you can buy from your local hardware. They are installed at the cold water outlet to fix the problem if you have several appliances with the same tap connection.

Secure your pipes

If you find loose pipes causing the water hammer, a simple solution is to secure them. If you can access these pipes, you can secure them by tightening the joists or other fixtures used to secure them.

Install pressure limiting valve

If the water hammer problem in your home is caused by high water pressure, you can install a pressure limiting valve on the meter to fix it.

Installing different taps

In most cases, the water hammer is caused by the modern mixer taps that shut off the water immediately with one flick. You can solve the issue by replacing them using soft close taps.

Maintain your piping system

One of the ways you can prevent water hammers in your property is by ensuring you perform plumbing system maintenance. You can plan with your plumber on when they should conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of your system. This helps detect any issue that may cause the water hammer and be fixed before it causes the problem.

Hire A Professional Plumber To Fix Water Hammer

The above solutions could help in stopping water hammer issues in your home. However, if you are unsure of whether you can do it effectively, hiring the best plumbing contractor in your locality to help is the best option. As you can see, there are different causes of water hammers.

A good plumber can inspect your piping system, determine the cause of the problem, and offer a long-term solution. Expert plumbers apply the best techniques to diagnose your plumbing system and stop the problem. Consider working with a plumber with vast experience and a good reputation for offering high-quality and affordable plumbing solutions.