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Are you afraid of the loud banging you hear from your walls and water pipe when you have high water pressure? Or when it bangs after you suddenly turn off your modern mixer taps after using it in your washing machines? A water hammer results from a pressure surge or a hydraulic shock typically occurring in your piping system or home’s plumbing system, particularly your old noisy pipes, after suddenly shutting a valve, and the momentum of the water creates a pressure wave. A series of loud bangs also occurs when you increase the water pressure in your water pipe. Above 80 psi is considered very high pressure and can also damage appliances. Repeated water hammer may also impact the pumps, existing valves, and instruments, lead to the failure of gasket joints and expansion joints, and affect the integrity of pipe walls and welded joints.
So, if you live in an old house with old plumbing systems as a shock absorber, you may think it’s strange why there are banging noises inside your walls after you stop showering or using a washer. But it is not. It is usual for old pipes in older homes to get worn out at some point. In this case, they absorb shock less from changes in the water pressure as you (or other appliances) rapidly open and shut off the water supply flowing through the pipes.
For example, washers automatically control water flow from entirely on to off within seconds. This sudden stoppage causes a water hammer or a hydraulic shock, making your pipes bang against other fixtures. Over time, this can lead to disastrous burst pipes and water leaks!
The video below explains the science behind the water hammer effect in more detail.
Now that you know how the water hammer works, you must be wondering how to fix it or prevent it in your homes. You can consider installing water hammer arresters near your check valves or shutoff valves, or read below to learn more and evaluate your options. It’s time to stop the water hammer and find some solutions before it’s too late!
Water hammer can weaken pipe walls and welded joints, leading to potential leaks. The repeated pressure surges create stress in the plumbing system, causing small cracks that can worsen over time. If left unchecked, these weakened areas may eventually result in water leaks, increasing the risk of costly water damage.
The water hammer’s excessive force also significantly stresses valves, pumps, and fixtures, reducing their lifespan. Components such as check and pressure-limiting valves may fail prematurely due to the constant hydraulic shock. This can lead to inefficiencies in water flow and require frequent repairs or replacements.
A primary concern with water hammer is the increased risk of burst pipes. The repeated impact of high-pressure surges can compromise the integrity of your plumbing system, causing pipes to rupture. Burst pipes can lead to significant water wastage, flooding, and expensive emergency repairs.
Additionally, water hammer can damage water appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. The sudden pressure spikes can wear out internal components, leading to breakdowns or inefficient operation. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of these appliances, resulting in unexpected replacement costs.
If you have been hearing water hammers for quite some time, it can damage the pipes enough to loosen from their straps or supports. It is recommended to do the following steps to know for sure:
If the noises persist, you might have a significant water hammer problem, so read on.
Water hammers in pipes can be kept to a minimum by installing a new air chamber or a water hammer arrestor.
An air chamber is made of copper pipe that absorbs water pressure by compressing it within the chamber. The chamber loses air as flowing water comes and goes, making it less shock-absorbent over time, causing that unwanted hammering noise.
So, to refill your air chambers with new air, follow these steps.
Locate the main valve of your water line and shut off the water line. Next, turn on all the faucets you can find around the house. It’s also advisable to start with the highest water outlet in your home till you reach the lowest point.
Drain the water supply from all open faucets and wait for 30 minutes. Ensure water is flushed from the toilet before turning the water supply line onto your house.
Observe for 10 minutes to see if the pressure is strong enough again to supply a steady stream of water throughout the pipeline. If it is, it should stop those banging noises.
If the second tip doesn’t work, try reducing the water flow to your house by adjusting the water pressure regulator. This will lower water pressure and help the water pipes or air chambers absorb the shock wave to their capacity.
However, if you don’t have a regulator and a water pressure gauge to help absorb the shock wave, consider installing one to adjust water pressure whenever necessary at the right level. Ensure that your water pressure range doesn’t exceed 30-55 psi to avoid further damage to your pipes.
If everything gets more technical than expected or fails, contact a plumber near you immediately. Call us for great service on your piping system. We’ll stop water hammer issues in your homes for sure! Besides, other water hammer solutions, like installing air chambers, water hammer arresters near the check pressure limiting valve, or even regulators, can be a pain for a non-handyman.
Whether you’re trying to resolve the issue on your own or hiring a plumber, regular maintenance of your plumbing system is key to preventing water hammers from happening again. Other plumbing problems can be addressed immediately.
For more plumbing tips or to stop water hammer issues and other plumbing issues, call us in Upper Coomera, Pacific Pines, Helensvale or anywhere across the Gold Coast! Our friendly plumbers can help today!
