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When you shut off the water after using a faucet or water-consuming appliance, you shouldn’t hear anything more in the pipes. But sometimes you might hear a sharp knocking or banging sound every time you shut off the water flow. That’s a sign you have a big problem in those walls.
This sound is called water hammer. It is a type of hydraulic shock that occurs when water slams into a closed valve. It sounds like it’s just a quirk and is very common. However, it indicates something is wrong with your plumbing.
Water hammer can lead to damage inside and outside the pipe and leaks because the shockwave can crack the pipe. In Los Angeles, CA, you wouldn’t want to waste any water. Call trusted local plumbers like our team at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to identify and fix water hammer.
What Is Water Hammer?
Water hammer starts with a shock wave that forms when you quickly close a valve. Another name for it is hydraulic shock. Hydraulic means that water is causing a specific mechanical movement. It’s a wave of water with a lot of pressure behind it. The wave slams into closed valves at high speed, causing the pipes to move.
When you have a lot of water flowing through a pipe at high speed, you could gradually turn off that flow. You wouldn’t hear anything in that case because the flow of water dwindled slowly when you closed the valve. But if you shut the valve off quickly, the water wouldn’t have a chance to adjust. It would hit the surface of the now-closed valve immediately.
If the pipe is loose, it can move with the force of the water. The pipe could hit the wall or other pipes, for example. And bolts can make sounds as the movement rocks them back and forth. All of them make the telltale banging sounds that let you know water hammer is occurring.
It’s like running toward the exit of a hallway only for someone to slam the door shut. You end up running right into the door because you didn’t get a warning, so you can’t slow down.
Water hammer can happen anywhere there’s a valve to shut off water. This can be in washing machines, dishwashers, toilet fill valves, and other fixtures.
What Causes Water Hammer?
Any time you shut off the water suddenly, you risk creating a localized spike in water pressure. Turbulent water hits the closed valve, jolting the pipe. If the pipe is loose ornot well supported, it can start to move.
It’s even worse if the water is flowing at a high velocity. That water hits the valve with more force, resulting in more pronounced movement.
Water hammer is common in older plumbing systems without shock-absorbing attachments. But it also happens in newer plumbing systems where pipes weren’t secured correctly. If the force of the water hitting the valve can move the pipe, water hammer can occur.
Signs and Dangers of Water Hammer
Water hammer could be inaudible to you if it occurred in an isolated part of the house. But most of the time, it makes a distinct sound that you can hear in other rooms. Listen for banging, thumping, or knocking noises that may sound like they’re coming from the floor or walls. Listen for vibrating or rattling sounds, too.
If you ignore water hammer, youpute your home’s plumbing at long-term risk. Potential secondary problems include:
- Loosened pipe fittings and joints
- Cracks in pipes
- Pipe leaks
- Damage to fixtures and appliances
How to Diagnose Water Hammer in Your Home
You need to call a local Los Angeles plumber like Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to diagnose water hammer definitively. However, you can make a preliminary diagnosis yourself.
The key to identifying water hammer is to listen for banging or thumping sounds when you turn off a plumbing fixture. This can be a faucet or a toilet after you flush it.
It can also occur in a clothes washer after a laundry cycle, or even in the dishwasher. If you have an outdoor fixture, like a pool, that’s at risk of water hammer, too.
If you hear those sounds and call a plumber, they will do more specific testing to confirm water hammer. These tests can include measuring water pressure and inspecting pipe supports. These give a more accurate assessment of what’s causing the noise.
DIY Steps to Minimize Water Hammer
Complete elimination of water hammer requires a professional plumber. But while you’re waiting for your appointment, you can try some temporary DIY fixes to give the plumbing a reprieve.
If you see loose pipes among the visible plumbing fixtures in your home, secure those with pipe clamps or pipe supports. You can also add a pressure regulator or adjust the one you already have. This allows you to reduce water pressure and velocity.
Water can flow backward once it hits a closed valve. To help cushion those shock waves, you can add water-filled arrestors. These act as tiny shock absorbers, softening the blow from the water. Again, these can help, but most likely only temporarily.
Professional Solutions to Eliminate Water Hammer
Professional solutions for water hammer can look similar to DIY ones. However, a professional plumber can determine exactly where to place clamps and arrestors to eliminate water hammer.
One such solution involves adding air chambers or modern arrestors to key points in the plumbing system. The plumber may also identify areas where layout modification or securing loose pipes would be effective.
The plumber can also adjust the pressure and add pressure regulators as needed to optimize performance. Plumbers from Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric can provide a complete inspection and customize a plan of action to quiet those noisy pipes.
Request Pipe Repair From Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric
Water hammer is a shock wave that occurs when a valve closes too quickly, cutting off the flow of high-pressure water. The force of the water hitting the valve can move the pipe and create a banging sound.
But water hammer is more than just a bunch of noisy pipes. It can physically damage your plumbing and create leaks in the walls. Early diagnosis of water hammer and permanent, proper fixes are necessary to avoid costly damage.
For the sake of your plumbing, never ignore loud pipe noises, especially when you shut off a valve. We can eliminate water hammer and perform repiping services if needed.
Contact Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to book pipe inspection and repair in Los Angeles, and protect the plumbing in your home.
