Banging Pipes No More: Identifying and Fixing the Causes of Water Hammer

Introduction:

Banging pipes can be a frustrating and concerning experience for any homeowner. The sudden loud noise that follows a sudden stop of water flow in your pipes is known as water hammer. It is a common issue faced by many homeowners and can cause severe damage to your pipes if left unattended. The good news is that water hammer is easily preventable and can be fixed with a few simple steps. In this article, we will explore the causes of water hammer and provide tips to fix it.

Identifying and Fixing the Causes of Water Hammer

Causes of Water Hammer

Water hammer occurs when water is abruptly stopped from flowing in your pipes. This sudden stop causes the water to crash into the closed valve, creating a loud banging noise and can cause damage to your pipes over time. Here are some of the most common causes of water hammer:

• Sudden shut off of water supply valves
• Worn out washers and valves
• Poor plumbing design
• High water pressure

Identifying the Cause of Water Hammer

The first step in fixing water hammer is to identify the cause of the problem. To do this, you need to turn off the main water supply to your home and turn on all the taps in your home. If the banging noise is still present, it is likely due to worn out washers or valves. If the banging noise goes away when the taps are turned on, it is likely due to high water pressure.

Fixing the Causes of Water Hammer

There are several steps you can take to fix the causes of water hammer. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Replace worn out washers and valves.
2. Install a pressure reducing valve to lower high water pressure.
3. Add air chambers to your pipes to absorb shock.
4. Insulate pipes to reduce noise.

Replacing Worn Out Washers and Valves

Worn out washers and valves can cause water hammer by not sealing properly, allowing water to leak out of the pipes. To fix this problem, simply replace the worn out washers and valves with new ones.

Installing a Pressure Reducing Valve

High water pressure can cause water hammer by putting too much stress on your pipes. To fix this problem, you can install a pressure reducing valve to lower the water pressure in your pipes. This will reduce the stress on your pipes and prevent water hammer from occurring.

Adding Air Chambers to Your Pipes

Air chambers are designed to absorb shock and reduce the impact of water hammer. To install air chambers, simply cut a section of your pipes and insert an air chamber. This will act as a cushion, reducing the impact of water hammer.

Insulating Pipes to Reduce Noise

Insulating your pipes can help reduce the noise caused by water hammer. You can use foam insulation or other materials to wrap your pipes and reduce the noise.

FAQs

Q: What is water hammer?

A: Water hammer is a sudden loud noise that occurs when water is abruptly stopped from flowing in your pipes.

Q: What are the causes of water hammer?

A: The causes of water hammer include sudden shut off of water supply valves, worn out washers and valves, poor plumbing design, and high water pressure.

Q: How do I fix water hammer?

A: You can fix water hammer by replacing worn out washers and valves, installing a pressure reducing valve, adding air chambers to your pipes, and insulating your pipes to reduce noise.

Conclusion

Banging pipes can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner, but with a little knowledge and a few simple steps, water hammer can be easily prevented and fixed. By identifying the cause of the problem and taking steps to fix it, you can enjoy peace and quiet in your home and protect your pipes from damage. Remember, Banging Pipes No More: Identifying and Fixing the Causes of Water Hammer is important to ensure the longevity of your plumbing system.