Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and 'shudder'.
If you're hearing banging noises at random, even while no water is running, it's likely that there's some sediment buildup at the bottom of your water heater. If this is the case, what you're hearing is the resulting reverberations of steam bubbles coming out of that built-up sediment.
If you've ever heard a loud banging or thumping sound coming from the walls, floor, or ceiling of your home while a faucet or shower is running or was just shut off, you've probably got a water hammer issue on your hands.
If you hear a vibrating, banging or pounding noise when taps are turned on or off it's usually due to hydraulic shock in your plumbing pipework. Hydraulic shock is more commonly known as “water hammer”. The banging noise you hear is the result of vibrations in pipes.
While sink, tub, and shower faucets can cause water hammer, clothes washers and dishwashers can more often cause water hammer because they can shut off water faster than by hand. These appliances use solenoid valves, which can close off as quickly as 30 milliseconds.
Installing Pressure Regulating Devices
High water pressure is a frequent reason for water hammering. Your problem is probably caused by your pressure, which is close to 100 psi. 30 to 55 psi is considered normal pressure. Consider hiring a plumber to install a water pressure regulating device to address this issue.
The Effects of Water Hammer
Leaks: Water hammer has the potential to damage joints, fittings and connections, resulting in poor seals and ultimately leaky pipes. Ruptured pipes: Ruptured pipes due to built-up pressure can be particularly expensive to repair.
A common cause of water hammer is high water pressure. If your pressure is running near 100 psi, then it's likely the cause of your issue. Normal pressure should be approximately 30 to 55 psi. To solve this problem, consider installing a water pressure regulator.
This can be fixed by draining your plumbing system, which requires turning off the main water valve and opening the highest faucet in your home. Then drain water from the lowest faucet. The chamber should fill up with air once the water is drained and resolve your water hammer problem.
Enough force from water hammer can even cause pipes to burst. If you hear rattling sounds along with the water hammer, it likely means you have pipes coming loose.
Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and 'shudder'.
If your water tap is running hot water, the copper will expand. The expansion and contraction of the pipe cause stress within. The abrasion and friction resulting from expansion cause the pipe to rub against joints producing a knocking noise.
Adjust the water pressure reduction valve.
Sometimes, excessive water pressure in your pipes causes water hammer, in which case emptying the air chamber of water or installing a water arrestor offers only temporary help. To regulate the pressure, homeowners can adjust their pressure-reducing valve.
Random Hammering Sounds – If your pipes are making a hammering sound, similar to a water hammer but happens at random times, it is usually caused by the water pressure causing loose, rattling pipes. Addressing the loose pipes and installing a pressure reduction valve can help eliminate these hammering sounds.
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.
Water hammer most commonly occurs when these air chambers have too much water in them. While the chambers regulate pressure and prevent water from forming waves in your pipes, too much air can suddenly cause the opposite to occur.
Cracks alone cause more than two-thirds of our water main breaks. Corrosion and water hammers cause the rest of the cracks. Hammers accelerate corrosion and occasionally dump visible rust into drinking water.
Hammering can be caused by waterlogged air chambers, clogged chambers, or excess pressure in your plumbing system. It can also be the result of a valve or pipe clog, which can produce a staccato banging sound.
Once all your faucets are turned on, including the outside spigots, turn the water valve all the way on. Let the water run through all of your faucets for 10-15 minutes to make sure you are seeing a steady stream of water, or aren't hearing any noises coming from your piping anymore.
Water hammer can result from improper valve selection, improper valve location and sometimes poor maintenance practices. Certain valves, such as swing check valves, tilting disc checks and double door check valves also can contribute to water hammer problems.
4. After all faucets are open, let the COLD WATER run for at least 30 minutes. During this time, also flush each toilet in your home 2 or 3 times.
By turning off the water tap when not in use, like while brushing teeth, washing utensils or while bathing, and also by mending all leaky faucets, we can save up to 35% of water. Let's make it a habit of mindfully consuming water & properly turning the taps off, and encourage others to do the same.