Can A Plumber Fix Water Hammer?

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Water hammer is a common problem in many homes, but it can also be a challenging one to fix. Understanding what water hammer is and how a plumber can help fix it is key to maintaining comfort and safety in your home. A plumber can help you identify and address the root cause of water hammer and in this article, we’ll explain what water hammer is and explore how a professional plumber can diagnose and resolve this issue for you.

What is Water Hammer?

Water hammer occurs when there’s an abrupt change in water pressure within your plumbing system. This change in pressure creates a sudden shockwave that causes pipes to vibrate, resulting in loud banging or thumping noises coming from the walls or floors of your home.

In some cases, these vibrations can even cause damage over time if left unchecked. Additionally, clogged pipes, faulty fittings, blocked vents, or worn-out valves can all contribute to water hammer problems in your home.
With a varitey of issues contributing to the problem, only a qualified plumber will be able to accurately identify and address water hammer effectively. To be able to do this they’ll have to inspect your homes plumbing system and determine the exact source of the problem before taking appropriate action to resolve it.

Can Water Hammer Damage Pipes?

Water hammer is a pressure surge caused by a sudden change in the velocity of water in the pipes, usually when a valve is shut off. This can cause damage to the water supply line, plumbing fixtures, and appliances such as washing machines. It is important to install an arrestor on the water supply line to reduce the risk of damage. By ensuring all valves are leak-free and properly installed with an appropriate arrestor device; you can reduce risk of damage to both your plumbing system and appliances connected to it.

Causes of Water Hammer

The main cause of water hammer is when valves close too quickly, causing an abrupt stop in the flow of water. The pressure wave created by this quick movement then travels down the pipe and creates a loud banging sound. Another common cause of water hammer is when pipes are too small for the amount of flow going through them. If there is not enough space for the water to move freely, it creates turbulence and this turbulence can cause pressure waves that lead to water hammer.

Effects of Water Hammer

As previously discussed, water hammer is a problem that affects your plumbing and occurs when there is a sudden change in water pressure, either caused by an appliance like a washing machine or dishwasher or from a pipe or valve being closed suddenly. The sudden pressure can cause damage to your pipes and lead to burst pipes, or water leaks if not fixed.

​​​It is important to take steps to prevent and reduce the risk of water hammer in your home. Regularly checking for any blockages in your pipes can help reduce the chances of water hammer occurring, as well as making sure all appliances are installed correctly. All valves should also be checked regularly and replaced if necessary. If you have old copper piping, it is worth considering replacing them with plastic piping if water hammer is an issue in your home as this type of pipe has more elasticity than copper which helps absorb shock waves better.

If you do experience water hammer in your home, it’s best to address the issue quickly as it can cause considerable damage to your plumbing system over time if left unchecked. You should start by checking all valves and appliances for any faults or obstructions and replace them accordingly if required. If this doesn’t solve the problem then you may need to invest in installing air chambers into the system which act as shock absorbers and help reduce the effects of water hammer.

It is also worth noting that while water hammer can be damaging, it can also alert homeowners to potential problems with their plumbing system such as blocked drains or leaking pipes which should be addressed urgently before they cause further damage.

How to Prevent Water Hammer

To reduce the risk of damage to water pipes, it is important to install a water hammer arrestor. This device will absorb some of the pressure created by the sudden closing of a valve or faucet, reducing the noise and preventing any potential damage to your pipes.

If you are experiencing this problem, consider installing a water hammer arrestor in your home’s plumbing system. This device works by creating an air pocket between the closed valve and the piping system which helps reduce pressure build-up and dampen any loud banging sound. It should be installed close to where it can be easily accessed in case it needs maintenance or repairs.

In addition to installing a water hammer arrestor, there are other measures you can take to prevent pipe damage due to water hammer. Make sure all washers and faucets are properly tightened and that all connections are secure before turning on the tap or washing machine. Also ensure that your home’s main line isn’t over-pressurized; if you have too much pressure, install a pressure regulator in order to keep it at an optimal level for your plumbing system. Finally, check for leaks regularly as these can cause excessive pressure buildup in your system as well.

How Plumbers Diagnose Water Hammer

A plumber will first carry out a thorough inspection of your entire plumbing system. This will involve testing each pipe individually for any signs of wear or damage that might be causing water hammer issues. They’ll then use specialized tools such as CCTV cameras or hydrostatic tests to check for blockages within the piping system that could also be contributing to the problem.

Once they’ve identified the source of any blockages or other issues causing excessive vibration within your pipes, they’ll be able to recommend an appropriate solution for resolving it quickly and effectively – whether that means replacing faulty fittings or valves or cleaning out blocked vents along with other necessary repair work as needed.