Yes, you should call a plumber if you have persistent or severe water hammer. Unchecked, the shockwave can damage pipe joints and fittings, eventually leading to costly leaks or burst pipes.
One way to correct this is to contact your local water utility to report your high pressure problem and see what they're able to do. They may be able to send someone to your home to reduce the pressure at the water meter. Another option is to hire a licensed plumber to install a water pressure regulator.
The most common cause of water hammer is the sudden stoppage or change in direction of flowing water in your plumbing system, known as hydraulic shock. When a valve or faucet shuts off quickly, it forces the moving water to stop instantly, sending a shock wave reverberating back through the pipes.
💷 Main costs to expect
Labour: Typically one to two hours, charged at around £40–£60 per hour for a qualified plumber. Materials/parts: Water hammer arrestors usually cost between £20 and £60 each depending on size and type. Extras: If pipework needs adapting or new valves fitting, this might add £30–£80.
Install air chambers
Air chambers are also an effective solution to water hammer. These systems consist of a short segment of pipe with an empty/air filled chamber that cushions shock waves. This reduces the size of the shock waves downstream of the valve.
How long will water hammer last? Although the banging noise you hear from water hammer may only last a few seconds, the issue within your pipes will last until you take steps to fix it.
Damage to Pipes: Repeated high-pressure shocks can weaken the walls of the pipes, leading to leaks, cracks, or even bursts. In severe cases, the entire pipeline could fail. Pump and Flow System Damage: Water hammer can cause significant damage to pumps, valves, and other components in the flow system.
Yes, water hammer is a common plumbing issue that affects both residential and commercial properties. The problem can occur with any plumbing fixture that requires quick shutoff, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or even standard faucets.
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.
Type of plumbing
Piping systems without bends or loops: Systems that feature long lengths of pipe without directional variation can result in excessive fluid velocity, which worsens the effects of water hammer when it's inevitably caused by a closing valve.
Water hammer is caused when moving water comes to a sudden stop. This creates a shockwave travelling through the plumbing system, and it's this shockwave that makes the noise. Shockwaves can be caused by a tap being quickly switched off or a valve being closed.
First, shut the water off to your home at the main shut-off valve. Open all the faucets and fixtures, both hot and cold until all the water is drained from the pipes.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
Water hammer is a hydraulic shock wave caused by a sudden stop in water flow. If it happens suddenly, it usually means your plumbing’s built-in shock absorbers have failed, a valve is closing too fast, or your water pressure has increased.
Consequences of Ignoring Water Hammer
Repeated pressure waves put stress on joints, fittings, and pipe supports, loosening them over time and significantly increasing the risk of leaks. In severe instances, these pressure surges can even cause pipes to burst, potentially flooding rooms and damaging flooring or walls.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad
The audible bang of a water hammer typically lasts only a second or two, often immediately following the quick shutoff of a faucet, dishwasher, or washing machine. While the noise is brief, the underlying structural stress on pipes persists until the issue is repaired.
Water hammer (hydraulic shock) occurs when moving water abruptly stops or changes direction, sending a high-pressure shockwave through your plumbing. This creates loud banging sounds and stresses pipe joints.
Typically, water hammer happens when you shut off a faucet or valve too quickly, but it can also occur when no water is running if there are existing pressure issues in your system. Over time, repeated water hammer sounds can damage your pipes and fittings.
To know if a pipe has burst, look for a sudden drop in water pressure, unexplained puddles, unusual sounds (like rushing water or hissing), and wet spots on walls or ceilings. You might also notice a sudden spike in your water bill or discolored water from your taps.
Water hammer is identified by a loud banging, knocking, or thumping sound in pipes, usually occurring immediately after turning off a faucet, flushing a toilet, or when appliances like washing machines/dishwashers stop taking in water. It is caused by a pressure shockwave when water flow is suddenly stopped.
To diagnose and fix water hammer in a cold water system, check for air pockets or loose faucet washers, and consider installing a water hammer arrestor or expansion tank. "That's water hammer. Call a plumber (unless you're comfortable doing plumbing) you need a water hammer arrestor."