If you're hearing banging sounds or other unusual noises from your pipes, it might be due to a common plumbing issue known as water hammer. But what exactly is a water hammer, and how can you address it?
Water hammers are most commonly seen in homes built after the late 1990s due to changes in plumbing technology, such as ceramic disc taps and quarter-turn valves, which can sometimes increase the pressure in pipes. If you're noticing banging noises in your pipes, the main causes are often related to waterlogged air chambers or high water pressure.
[SERVICETEAM GUIDE]
What is Water Hammer?
A water hammer is the loud banging or knocking sound you might hear when you turn off a tap or when water flow suddenly stops in your pipes.
Imagine turning off a tap in your home, and suddenly, you hear a loud banging noise coming from nowhere. You may wonder, "What on earth was that?" This mysterious noise is known as a "water hammer."
It's a common plumbing issue that can cause surprising sounds, even when the water is off. And if it's happening in your home, it's worth investigating before it turns into a costly plumbing problem.
When pipes aren't tightly secured or are subject to sudden water pressure, they can start to rattle and make that loud, alarming sound. This sound happens because water moves through your pipes with a lot of force, and when it stops abruptly, it sends shockwaves that create vibrations.
These vibrations travel through your plumbing system and can gradually weaken your pipes, leading to loose joints, leaks, and other problems over time.
Sources That May Lead to Water Hammer in Your Plumbing
- Air in the System: Air pockets trapped in pipes can cause sudden jolts, leading to banging sounds.
- Loose Pipework: Unsecured pipes are prone to vibration and banging as water flows through them.
- Faulty Ball or Float Valves: These valves, often found in toilets and cisterns, can create noise if they're not functioning properly.
- Solenoid Valves: Quick-closing solenoid valves in appliances can create pressure waves that trigger a water hammer.
- Stopcock Issues: A worn or incorrectly adjusted stopcock can disrupt water flow and trigger a water hammer.
- Washing Machine Valves: Fast-acting washing machine valves can cause sudden changes in water flow, resulting in noisy pipes.
- Lack of a Pressure-Reducing Valve: Installing a pressure-reducing valve helps manage high water pressure, a key cause of water hammer.
- Taps and Outlets: Quickly shutting off taps or having worn taps can lead to pressure surges that create hammering sounds.
A professional plumbing engineer can address each of these issues to help reduce water hammer and protect your plumbing system.
Call Serviceteam Plumbing Professionals
Why Does Water Hammer Happen?
Water hammer is often caused by high water pressure in your home's plumbing system, especially with the cold water from the main supply.
When you close a tap, the water flow is forced to stop suddenly, but the high pressure has nowhere to go. So, it slams against the closed valve, creating a shock wave. This shock wave travels through the pipes, causing them to shake, rattle, and make that distinctive banging noise.
At first, this sound might be confusing. It can come from walls, the roof, or even under the floor, making it hard to tell exactly where it's happening.
If you're hearing these banging sounds, it's a good idea to address them. Water hammer isn't just annoying—it can also wear out joints and connections, leading to household water leaks or even pipe damage over time.
By investigating and fixing the water hammer properly, homeowners can prevent future issues and ensure your plumbing stays in good shape.
Common Causes and Solutions for Water Hammer
Waterlogged Air Chambers
Modern plumbing systems come equipped with air chambers, which help prevent water hammer by softening the flow of water flow through pipes. These chambers contain air that cushions the water, reducing noise located near valves or taps.
However, over time, water can fill these chambers, replacing the air and removing the cushioning effect. When this happens, the water in the pipes can slam into valves and fittings, creating the loud bang associated with the water hammer.
Fixing Waterlogged Air Chambers:
To restore the air in these chambers, you can try the following:
- Turn off your main water supply (usually found under the kitchen sink).
- Open all your taps to drain any remaining water from the system.
- Once drained, turn the water back on slowly—one-quarter turn every 15 seconds.
- After doing this, turn off all taps.
This process should fill the chambers with air again, reducing the noise.
High Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can increase the chances of water hammer. Some boiler systems allow you to adjust the pressure manually, and it's worth checking your manual to see if this is an option.
Installing a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): Many properties built after 2001 are fitted with a PRV, which helps regulate water pressure and minimize water hammer. If your home doesn't have one, installing a PRV can be a great long-term solution to keep your water pressure at safe levels.
Changes in Water FlowWhen you turn off a tap or flush the toilet, the sudden stop in water flow creates pressure, which then jolts through your pipes and causes a banging noise.
This is especially common in older properties or those with outdated plumbing systems. Call serviceteam today and get free quotes for plumbing services in your London property!
Loose PipesPipes that aren't securely fastened can start to bang against walls or other surfaces when there's a water hammer.
This is often due to age or lack of proper support brackets holding the pipes in place.
Clogged Air ChambersAir chambers, built into many plumbing systems, act as cushions to absorb water shock. Over time, these chambers can get clogged or lose air, reducing their ability to cushion water flow and causing water hammer to develop.
Faulty Pressure-Reducing ValveA pressure-reducing valve helps to maintain a safe water pressure level throughout the house. If it starts to malfunction, the pressure can become unbalanced, leading to a water hammer and putting additional strain on your plumbing system.
Worn Stop ValvesStop valves control the flow of water into different parts of your home. If these valves are worn out, they may struggle to regulate water flow properly, resulting in a hammering effect.
Fast-Acting Valves on AppliancesAppliances like dishwashers and washing machines often have fast-acting valves, which close quickly and can cause sudden pressure changes in the pipes, leading to water hammer.
By understanding these causes, you can take simple yet effective steps to protect your pipes from potential damage. Securing loose pipes, checking your home's water pressure, and scheduling regular plumbing maintenance are straightforward actions that can make a big difference. These preventive measures can go a long way in reducing the risk of water hammer, helping to keep your plumbing system quiet and in good working order.
When to Call a Plumbing Engineer?
Loose Fittings Causing Rattling or VibrationsSometimes, the noise you're hearing isn't water hammer but instead clunking or rattling sounds from loose pipe fittings. Over time, if pipes aren't securely clipped or fastened, they can start moving around and hit against walls or floors. Addressing these loose fittings is important to prevent them from causing more serious problems.
If you hear a humming noise from your pipes after using water, this might be due to a faulty or vibrating ballcock valve in your water storage tank. This sound usually happens when the tank is refilling.
If you hear noises after using hot water, it may be due to your copper pipes expanding and contracting with heat. While copper is designed to handle this, it can still produce noise.
Check out our plumbing blog for tips on "Find a Local Plumber Near By."
How to Fix a Water Hammer?
If you're dealing with noisy, banging pipes, here are several effective ways to tackle the issue:
- Secure All Pipework: Make sure pipes are properly anchored to walls and floors. Loose pipes can vibrate, causing loud bangs when water flows through them.
- Install a Copper Pipe Expansion Joint: In some areas, a copper pipe expansion joint can help reduce pressure and prevent water hammer.
- Add a Water Hammer Arrestor:
This device absorbs sudden pressure surges, but a potable water expansion vessel is often the best solution. The vessel can handle high water pressure, reducing banging sounds. - Fit a Pressure-Reducing Valve: Lowering your water pressure can go a long way in minimizing water hammer.
- Use Pipe Insulation: Wrap insulation around your pipes to absorb vibrations from the water hammer and allow for pipe expansion when water flows through them. Insulation helps pipes stay in place and minimizes noise.
- Hire a Professional Plumber: Leaving more complex plumbing issues to a pro can save time and ensure the best fix.
- Choose a Slow-Closing Solenoid: Installing slow-closing valves, especially on appliances, can help reduce sudden water flow changes, minimizing water hammer.
- Install a Water Pressure Regulator: This device can help balance your system's water pressure and lessen pressure spikes.
- Add a Copper Air Chamber: Air chambers act as cushions, absorbing the shock when water flow stops suddenly.
- Use a Mechanical Water Arrestor: Similar to an air chamber, this device uses a spring to reduce shock waves. Though more costly, it's an effective solution.
This device absorbs sudden pressure surges, but a potable water expansion vessel is often the best solution. The vessel can handle high water pressure, reducing banging sounds.Need a Plumber in London for Water Hammer Issues?
If you're tired of dealing with noisy water hammer, call serviceteam expert plumbers in London. They're ready to restore peace and quiet to your plumbing system!
By regularly checking your plumbing system and taking simple preventive steps, you can keep your pipes quiet and your plumbing in great shape.
FAQs
How does a water hammer happen?Essentially, it's a hydraulic shock that occurs when a sudden change in water flow causes water to slam into the closed valve, creating pressure that reverberates through the plumbing system.
How to fix water hammer in the shower?- Prevent air from entering the system.
- Install a pressure reducer to control water flow.
- Replace any faulty cartridges in your shower fixtures.
- Secure loose pipes with pipe clips.
- Use pipe insulation to dampen noise.
- Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and reduce noise.
Yes, it can. If the inlet valve is faulty or has a buildup of limescale, it may not close properly, leading to a water hammer.
Do I need a water hammer arrestor for my shower?A water hammer arrestor is only necessary if you hear banging noises coming from your shower area. If you notice this sound, installing an arrestor can reduce the noise and protect your plumbing.
Is water hammer dangerous?In the short term, it may not be a major concern. However, over time, it can lead to cracks in pipes and cause leaks throughout the plumbing system.
How to get rid of the water hammer?If you've tried all the basic fixes and the issue persists, it's best to call a professional plumber who can help resolve the problem effectively.
