Easiest fix is to install a water hammer arrestor. If you are handy long term fix is to install a tee and on its side opening put a 18 inch of vertical capped pipe. Will be full of air and will cushion water to prevent hammer. Best install locstion is highest location.
Your water pressure is too high: A loud tuba-like sound can indicate that your water supply is putting a ton of pressure on your pipes. While this isn't usually a super serious problem in the short term, it can lead to water leaks, pipe damage, and, of course, wasted water if it's ignored.
You can also try turning off your water and draining all your taps and then turning them on one by one starting with that closest to the mains to reintroduce the air bubbles into your pipes air chambers. I need to do that periodically and it cures my hammer.
The easy fix for high-pitched plumbing noises is lowering the water pressure to an appropriate level. Residential water supply lines work best around 50 psi at the water-main. If the water pressure in your home is suddenly higher than it used to be, your pressure reducing valve may be work out or broken.
If you are ready to soundproof your water pipes, you have two main options. You can either wrap the pipes with noise blocking materials or fill the cavities around the pipes with sound absorption products. Using both noise blocking and sound absorption materials can eliminate the sounds of pipes in your home.
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.
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.
Checking for Air Trapped in the Pipes
When air bubbles are forced through the pipes, they can create a humming sound as they disrupt the smooth flow of water. To address this, you can try bleeding the air from the system by turning on all faucets and letting them run until the water flows smoothly.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
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.
The four most common causes of pipes making noise when water is turned on, toilets are flushed, and water is drained include pressure issues, the air in pipes, clogs or obstructions, and loose components.
The sound of running water with no apparent source can often be traced back to faulty plumbing. Start by examining all valves, faucets, and toilets for signs of damage or malfunctioning. Check each valve and connection point for any indications of corrosion or deterioration.
No, a sound is of course not dangerous—but what it represents can definitely have a heavy negative influence on your pipes. The effect of the shockwaves can damage the pipes and knock them loose, and also damage taps, faucets, and appliances. Enough force from water hammer can even cause pipes to burst.
The best places are either close to the pump, isolation or check valve that is originating the hammer, or at more distant points where the pipe changes direction, for example at the top of a pump riser.
Also called hydraulic shock, the signs of water hammer include a loud thumping or “hammering” noise from pipes carrying fluid and moderate- to heavy vibrations along the pipe system. Its impact can range from mild or undetectable vibrations to severe and very disruptive pressure shocks.
Water hammer rarely goes away on its own; it's a serious plumbing problem you should address. Pipes can sustain damage from repeated impact, resulting in leaks or burst pipes. Fixtures like faucets and valves can also be affected by water hammer stress, leading to wear and tear or even failure over time.
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.
You could have one of two problems if your faucet makes a knocking noise continuously while the water runs: You have a faulty or inadequate water meter. Your water pressure is too high.
The best approach for soundproofing water pipes is to wrap the pipes with a pipe lagging material to block sound (not absorb it). Pipe lagging works best by creating a heavy, airtight, sound-isolating wall around your pipe.