If you’re a homeowner, you know that plumbing issues don’t always give a heads-up before they show up. Pipes can leak unexpectedly, drains get clogged, and sometimes, your pipes can suddenly start making loud banging noises. One of the most startling of these noises is known as water hammer. If you’ve ever heard a loud, repetitive banging after turning off a faucet or appliance, you’ve probably experienced this phenomenon. But what is water hammer exactly, and how can you fix water hammer to bring peace and quiet back to your home?
In this blog, we’ll take a close look at what water hammer is, its causes, and practical solutions for preventing or minimizing it.
What Is Water Hammer?
If you’ve heard loud banging or thudding noises coming from your pipes when you turn off a faucet or valve, you’ve likely encountered what water hammer is. In technical terms, water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, occurs when a sudden change in water flow creates a pressure surge in the pipes. This surge, or “shock wave,” happens when water flows quickly through pipes and is forced to stop or change direction suddenly, usually when a valve closes abruptly.
This sudden stoppage of water flow causes a sharp spike in pressure, creating the loud, jarring noise of water hammer and potentially damaging your pipes and plumbing system. Water hammer can also impact other parts of the plumbing system, including pipe joints, valve connections, and even water-related electrical equipment.
Causes of Water Hammer
Understanding the causes of water hammer is essential to knowing how to fix water hammer. This disruptive sound can arise from several issues, and it’s generally a sign that your plumbing system needs attention.
Quick-Closing Valves
Water hammer commonly happens with appliances that have quick-closing valves, like dishwashers or washing machines. These valves shut off the water flow almost instantly, causing water to “slam” against the closed valve, sending a shock wave back through the pipes. This can create a loud hammer sound, and repeated instances may even damage your pipes over time.
High Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can worsen the effects of water hammer. High pressure makes it harder for the water to stop smoothly, increasing the intensity of the pressure wave when water flow is stopped. Excessively high water pressure can lead to frequent water hammer episodes, potentially causing damage to the piping system.
Loose Pipes or Pipe Joints
Another common cause is loose pipes or weak pipe joints. When pipes aren’t securely fastened, the pressure wave caused by water hammer has more room to make the pipes move. This can result in louder banging noises, especially in long, straight sections of pipe. If ignored, loose pipes can shift or bend over time, increasing the risk of leaks and costly repairs.
Absence or Failure of Air Chambers
Air chambers are devices in plumbing systems that help absorb the shock of pressure waves. If these air chambers fail or become waterlogged, they lose their ability to cushion the surge, allowing water hammer to occur. Sometimes, just draining the air chambers can help restore their function, but if they’re faulty, they may need replacement.
Enclosed Air Pockets in the Plumbing System
Air pockets trapped in your pipes can contribute to water hammer as well. When water flow encounters these enclosed air pockets, it can cause erratic pressure changes that result in banging noises or a series of rattles throughout your plumbing system. These noises might intensify, particularly when water flow changes direction suddenly.
Effects of Water Hammer on Your Plumbing System
Water hammer isn’t just noisy — it can also lead to long-term plumbing issues if not properly addressed. Here are some potential impacts of ignoring water hammer:
- Pipe Damage: The constant banging and rattling from water hammer can weaken your pipes over time, particularly if they’re not properly secured. This could lead to cracks, pipe ruptures, or even burst pipes in extreme cases.
- Loose or Leaking Joints: Repeated pressure surges may loosen pipe joints, causing small leaks that could worsen over time, especially in older homes with older plumbing systems.
- Damage to Valves and Faucets: The shock waves from water hammer can put extra strain on valves, faucets, and other components in your plumbing, reducing their lifespan and leading to frequent repairs or replacements.
How to Fix Water Hammer
Once you know what water hammer is and its causes, the next step is to explore how to fix water hammer. Fortunately, there are several approaches to managing or even eliminating water hammer in your home.
Install a Water Hammer Arrestor
One of the most effective solutions is to install water hammer arrestors. These devices contain a small air chamber that absorbs the shock of pressure waves, preventing them from bouncing through the pipes. Plumbers typically install water hammer arrestors near appliances with quick-closing valves, such as dishwashers and washing machines, to prevent a hammering noise whenever these appliances shut off.
Wondering how water hammer arrestors work? They essentially act as a cushion, absorbing the excess pressure from water flow that stops abruptly, minimizing or eliminating the banging noise.
Secure Loose Pipes
If loose pipes are contributing to water hammer, securing them can reduce or stop the noise. Check your plumbing system (or have a professional check it) to see if any sections are poorly fastened. Tightening or re-fastening pipes to walls or supports can minimize vibrations and keep them from banging against surfaces.
Reduce Water Pressure
If high water pressure is a factor, installing a pressure regulator can help. Ideal water pressure for a residential home is typically around 40 to 60 psi, and anything much higher than this can lead to water hammer pressure issues. Reducing the pressure can ease stress on your pipes and mitigate hammering sounds, while also extending the life of your plumbing fixtures.
Drain Air Chambers
In older plumbing systems, air chambers may be used to absorb pressure surges. However, these chambers can become waterlogged over time and lose their effectiveness. Draining the pipes (turning off the main water supply and running the faucets to empty water) can sometimes reintroduce air into these chambers, restoring their ability to cushion water flow.
Install Expansion Tanks
If water hammer is severe, an expansion tank may be a wise investment. Expansion tanks are often installed near water heaters to prevent pressure buildup, especially if your plumbing system has a backflow preventer. The tank provides extra space for the water, absorbing the shock of sudden pressure changes.
Schedule Your Plumbing Services in New Orleans, LA!
Are you struggling with water hammer? At Keefe’s, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of plumbing issues, including water hammer, that can affect the comfort and safety of your home. Our experienced plumbers in New Orleans, LA, understand what water hammer is and can quickly identify what’s causing it in your home.
Whether you require routine maintenance, repairs, or specialized plumbing services in NOLA, our team is here to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!
