Does a water hammer need to be fixed?

Author: Mr. Rollin Cole  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

The trouble is that the noise isn't just irritating. Water hammer is a key sign that damage may be occurring in your plumbing system. Problems with your plumbing and central heating system can be a nightmare. You must fix the cause of water hammer before it results in permanent damage.

What happens if you don't fix water hammer?

Left untreated, water hammer can cause significant damage by destroying pipework, the home's plumbing system, and appliances connected to the pipes.

Can a water hammer go away on its own?

You don't really have to do anything. Regular use will fill the pipes with water again and the noise will cease after a short time.

When should I be worried about water hammer?

The noise produced is irritating and frustrating. However, that isn't the main issue. A water hammer is a surefire sign that damage may occur in your plumbing pipes. Therefore, you should enlist a plumber to inspect the plumbing system should you hear of any water hammer before permanent and costly damage arises.

Can I ignore water hammer?

Ignoring water hammer can ultimately result in the catastrophic failure of your flow system. The long-term effects of water hammer can include: Pump and Flow System Damage.

Why Water Hammer Arrestors Are SO Important | GOT2LEARN

How urgent is a water hammer?

You may have heard it before and had no idea what the cause of the noise was. Water hammer isn't an emergency, but it is something to be concerned about in the sense that you want to have it addressed by a professional ASAP.

Why have I suddenly got a water hammer?

Water hammer can commonly be caused by trapped air inside the system. Air can find its way into your pipework system if empty pipework is filled too quickly. To minimise the risk of air accumulating with the system, ensure pipework is filled slowly to allow air to escape.

Do I need a plumber for a water hammer?

Water pipes should be quiet, so what in the world can it be? Well, it is most likely you have a water hammer. In that case, you will need to contact a local plumber to fix it. Water hammer is also referred to as hydraulic shock.

How do plumbers fix water hammer?

So here's the good news – our local plumbers know of at least 5 ways to fix water hammer that really do work:
  • Fix waterlogged air chamers. ...
  • Reduce the water pressure. ...
  • Install a water hammer arrestor. ...
  • Replace faulty taps. ...
  • Secure loose pipes.

Can pipes burst from a water hammer?

Over time, water hammer can cause pipes not only to leak but burst. The bad news is that water hammer is a common problem.

How do you fix a water hammer without a plumber?

Fixing the problem can be as easy as shutting off the main valve and draining your plumbing system. If that doesn't work, installing an arrestor or adding pipe straps and insulation can make a big difference.

How much does it cost to fix a water hammer?

A water hammer arrestor costs from $15 to $50. They're available online, at home centers, and in hardware stores. Most of the cost of a water hammer arrestor installation is in the labor. Calling in a pro will typically run $250 – $500.

How long will water hammer last?

Q: How long will the Sioux Chief engineered water hammer arresters last? A: Although arresters are typically tested to 10,000 cycles, Sioux Chief arresters have been independently lab tested to withstand 500,000 cycles without failure.

How do you neutralize water hammer?

To do this, shut off your home's main water valve, then open the highest faucet in your home. Next, turn on the lowest faucet in your home and keep it on until all water has drained. Finally, reopen the main water valve to refill your pipes.

Can a water hammer damage a water heater?

Water hammer can cause severe damage to your water heater. With enough force and pressure, it can cause burst pipes, collapse a flue tube, cause the heater's shell to expand or even deform the top of the heating tank.

Why are my pipes still banging with water hammer arrestor?

Once installed, the arrestor needs no maintenance. If you still hear a banging noise, check to see if enough straps are holding the pipes in place. If not, add more. Using clips and plumber's tape will further restrict pipe movement.

Is a water hammer a serious problem?

Water hammer can cause serious damage to pipelines, pipe joins gaskets, and all other components of the system like flow meters and pressure gauges. On contact, these pressure spikes can easily exceed five to ten times the working pressure of the system, placing a tremendous amount of stress on the system.

How do you stop water hammer from draining pipes?

1. WATER HAMMER:
  1. Shut off water supply to the house at the main.
  2. Open all the cold water faucets, start with the highest faucet (2nd or 3rd floor) and work to your lowest faucet (first or basement floor).
  3. Flush all the toilets in the home.
  4. Let water drain from open faucets. ...
  5. Turn on water supply to the house at the main.

Is a water hammer an emergency?

Also called a hydraulic surge or a hydraulic shock, the water hammer effect usually happens when moving fluids are forced to change directions or are stopped abruptly. The term water hammer sounds alarming, but it' not a plumbing emergency. However, it could be an indication of the current condition of your pipes.

Why did I suddenly get a water hammer?

If you've never had water hammer and one day you suddenly experience it out of the blue, then it's likely your water system's air chambers are blocked. These chambers often become blocked with water or residue from minerals found in water.

What happens if you ignore water hammer?

The Risks of Ignoring Water Hammer

Over time, the repeated pressure surges can weaken joints and cause leaks, or in severe cases, even cause pipes to burst. This damage can be costly to repair and may lead to water damage in your home.

Can I fix a water hammer myself?

You can fix the problem by tightening the screws holding loose pipe straps. Additional straps can be added to improve stability. Pipe straps are usually made of thin metal or plastic, while padded types are available to reduce vibration.

What happens if water hammer is left untreated?

Left untreated, water hammer can lead to actual damage to pipework, appliances and components of any system. Over time this damage can accumulate and result in the premature failure of parts of the plumbing system and all the watery hassle that can cause.

How do you find the source of the water hammer?

Loose mounting straps contribute to water hammer. Check your accessible pipes to ensure they're secured in a way that allows some movement but doesn't let the pipes shake forcefully. If you hear the hammering noise only after shutting off a particular faucet, the cause is likely to be a worn-out faucet washer.

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