How to Fix a Water Hammer in Your Home

Have you ever heard a noise that sounds like a jackhammer banging inside the walls of your home…

Oct 02, 2024

Have you ever heard a noise that sounds like a jackhammer banging inside the walls of your home or business? A water hammer, or hydraulic shock, happens when water suddenly stops or changes direction within a pipe. This abrupt halt and shift sends a pressure wave through the plumbing and makes that notorious noise. Water hammer can result in serious issues for your plumbing system, and it very rarely goes away on its own.

Fortunately, water hammer can be fixed and, better yet, it can be prevented. In this brief article brought to you by Acknowledge Plumbing, we go over just that. If you would rather consult with a trained and experienced plumber, then call or message Acknowledge Plumbing to get in touch.

What causes water hammer?

Water hammer is a matter of physics. When you turn off a faucet, or an appliance like a washing machine stops filling up, the moving water hits a closed valve and creates a shock wave. It’s sort of like the momentum of a fast-moving car suddenly slamming into a wall; that’s what happens with water inside your pipes. Since the water can’t escape, it bounces back and causes the pipes to vibrate and create that banging noise.

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Acknowledge Plumbing provides 24-hour residential and commercial plumbing repair & installation services in Sacramento County and all surrounding areas. Call our office now to schedule a nearby plumber.

Why water hammer should NOT be ignored

While the average property owner might consider water hammer to be just a noisy inconvenience, this phenomenon can actually cause serious issues over time. The force of the water hammer can weaken plumbing joints and fittings, causing them to leak or even burst. Faucets, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances connected to your plumbing can also suffer from internal damage due to the constant pressure shock.

How to fix water hammer

Fixing water hammer involves addressing the root cause and mitigating the impact of those pressure surges inside your pipes. Luckily, there are a few options. At Acknowledge Plumbing, our plumbing repair service employs tailored solutions based on your unique circumstance.

Installing An Air Chamber: An air chamber is a vertical section of piping that contains air. When water slams into the valve, the air chamber acts like a cushion by absorbing the shock and preventing it from creating the banging noise.
Water Hammer Arrestors: This is a more modern solution than air chambers. This device contains a piston or spring that compresses to absorb the shock waves created by fast-moving water.
Pressure Reducing Valves: These can help control and regulate the water pressure entering your home, thereby mitigating the effects of water hammers.
Secure Loose Pipes: In some cases, the banging noise might not be from the water itself but from the pipes rattling against walls or beams. Pipe clamps or brackets can help.

Hire a uniformed plumber today

If you’re hearing water hammer, then it’s likely that your plumbing is experiencing some issues. The most common issue is a water leak. Don’t wait for water damage to take hold. Arrange a leak detection with Acknowledge Plumbing to make sure the issue does not get out of hand. Our team is ready to tell you about our prices and fees, schedule a convenient appointment, or arrange urgent assistance today.

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