‘ Water hammer’ is a very specific plumbing noise, it’s a pressure surge or shock wave that is created when water moving through a pipe is force to either stop or change direction suddenly. For example, a ninety-degree pipe bend or union would cause this. Water hammer often occurs when a dishwasher, washing machine, toilet, or faucet shuts off water flow suddenly. This produces a loud bang or banging sound. The shock waves of the bang(ing) travel faster than the speed of sound and can create a great deal of pressures. Over time, water hammer effect can damage pipes, valves and even weaken pipe joints.

Over time, these impacts can create pressure which can weaken and damage pipes, valves, and pipe joints. In more modern homes, the solution has been to install air chambers, devices filled with air, which act as cushions. But over time, these devices can fail. Over time, the air in the chamber is absorbed by the water, which then takes its place.

The sudden onset of water hammer in a home is generally a sign that its plumbing’s air chambers have filled with so much water that they aren’t working anymore. It’s possible to fix the problem if the affected chamber(s) can be located. First, the water needs to be turned off at a point before it reaches the affected chamber(s), then the problem valve or faucet needs to be opened to allow all the water in it to be drained. Air will replace it and restore the cushion.

If water hammer suddenly starts, it’s often because one or more of a home’s air chambers have filled with so much water that they no longer work. It’s possible that they can be repaired instead of replaced. First the waterlogged air chamber(s) must be located. The water supply needs to be turned off prior to reaching the chamber(s), then the faucets and valves ahead of the chamber(s) need to be opened to allow the water in the pipe and chamber to drain. Air will then flow into the chamber restoring it.

If the air chamber is lower than the height of the valve, more work may be needed. The main water supply lines might need to be drained too. Sometimes air chambers won’t drain completely; it may be because of build-up of mineral or chemical deposits. If the chamber can’t be cleaned out it will need to be replaced.

Installing air chambers in a home that doesn’t have them can be a great solution, many currently manufactured units even have built-in valves that let air refill. Reducing the overall water pressure in a home is another option if no air chambers exist. Pressure-reducing valves can be fitted into the water supply lines. But this could lead to the water pressure being too low for upper-level bathtubs, showers, toilets, and faucets.

No related posts.