Are you hearing loud and alarming banging sounds when you turn a tap off or on, or when the washing machine is running? First, don’t stress too much, because you’re definitely not alone. That irritating noise is known as water hammer, and while it can sound like your pipes are about to explode, or rip the walls to shreds from the inside, it’s usually more of a nuisance than a danger. Just need to know how to stop water hammer? Read on:
Hammering pipes must not be ignored!
Remember, if you simply ignore it, this phenomenon can damage your plumbing and create one heck of a mess. So, let’s dive into what it is, how it happens – most importantly of all! – how to stop water hammer as soon as possible.
- Loud banging or hammering noises when you turn off taps?
- Hammering pipes when appliances like washing machines are in use?
- Vibrating pipes or fixtures?
- Sudden jolts in the plumbing system after turning off water quickly?
What is water hammer & what causes it?
That loud, unsettling banging noise you hear coming from your pipes occurs when the flow of water in your plumbing suddenly stops or changes direction, creating a shockwave inside your pipes. The shockwave can make your pipes vibrate or move, which is what causes the banging sounds. Basically, the pressure from the water is too much for the pipes to handle quietly, and the result is an incredibly alarming noise that can even damage your plumbing over time.
Before we get into the fixes, let’s take a quick look at the causes:
- Fast-closing valves (like those found in dishwashers and washing machines)
- High water pressure in your home’s plumbing system
- Loose or poorly secured pipes
- Air chambers in your plumbing system that have become waterlogged.
How to stop water hammer: 6 DIY methods
If you’ve heard the telltale banging, don’t worry – we might be able to help you resolve it right here and right now without calling in your friendly plumber:
1. Check your water pressure
High water pressure is a common cause of pipe hammer. When it’s too high, the movement of the water can become so violent that water hammer is triggered.
- Use a pressure gauge to measure your water pressure
- Ideally, your home’s water pressure should be 300-500 kPa, or 43-72 PSI or so
- If it’s higher than that, consider installing a pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve to help stop water hammer.
2. Install water hammer arrestors
Installing water hammer arrestors is another great solution. These small devices act as shock absorbers, stopping the sudden movement of water when it changes direction. They’re especially useful for appliances with fast-closing valves like dishwashers and washing machines.
- Find them at most hardware and plumbing supply stores like Reece.
- They’re fairly easy to install.
3. Secure loose pipes
Sometimes, the cause of water pipes hammering is as simple as loose pipes. If the pipes aren’t secured properly, they can move when water rushes through them, leading to that annoying banging.
- Look under the sinks to check if any visible pipes need additional brackets or clips to hold them firmly in place.
4. Drain your air chambers
Some older homes have air chambers built into the plumbing system to absorb the shock of water movement. However, over time these chambers can become filled with water and stop working properly. Draining the air chambers is perhaps the simplest way to learn how to fix water hammer in pipes Australia wide.
- Turn off your home’s water supply
- Open the highest and lowest taps in your house
- Let the water drain completely
- This should allow the air chambers to reset.
5. Inspect your washing machine
Washing machine water hammer is a common complaint because these appliances use fast-closing valves that can cause shockwaves in your plumbing. If your washing machine is the culprit, consider:
- Installing a water hammer arrestor or a shock absorber
- Look for the ones specifically designed for washing machines
- They can help absorb the pressure before it has a chance to cause that familiar banging noise.
6. Adjust your valve speed
For appliances or fixtures with quick-closing valves, adjusting the speed at which they close can sometimes be the answer for an easy water hammer fix. Slowing down the water shutoff process reduces the sudden pressure change that causes water hammer triggered by washing machines and dishwashers in particular.
- Check your appliance manuals to see if the valve speed can be adjusted.
When to call a professional plumber
If you’ve run through our list of 6 and still hear the dreaded sounds of those water pipes hammering, or if you’ve even made the problem worse, it’s definitely time to call in a fully-licensed and experienced Brisbane plumber. Water hammer that goes unresolved can lead to significant plumbing issues, including burst pipes, damage to your appliances, and enormous bills and water damage. In cases where the issue is more complex, like when the plumbing design itself is the root cause, a great plumber can quickly and affordably provide expert solutions to keep your system and home safe and quiet.
Need help with water hammer? Give us a shout!
If your DIY attempts haven’t worked, or if you’re dealing with more severe water hammer issues, don’t hesitate to contact S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting. Our friendly team of experienced plumbers can assess your situation and provide the right solutions before you know it, keeping your plumbing and sanity in top shape! Reach out today for fast, expert help you can afford, with all workmanship fully guaranteed. Northside, Southside, Logan or Moreton Bay, our plumbers are ready to stop that dreadful noise and save your plumbing pipes from disaster!