A home’s plumbing system is barely visible to its inhabitants. It can be easy to miss the signs of a problem and difficult to know how to address it. If you’ve been hearing sounds from your walls, this guide can help you understand if it may be due to water hammer and when to call a plumber.

What You Should Know About Water Hammer

What is a water hammer?

Water hammer happens when the liquid in your pipes is stopped abruptly by the sudden closing of a valve. The water slams into the component, building up pressure and forcing it backward. The strain is absorbed by every pipe, connector, and seal along the way until it dissipates.

What causes a water hammer?

Water hammers can occur where valves are closed quickly as is sometimes the case with washing machines, dishwashers, sprinkler systems, and even ice makers. It can also be caused by clogs in the air chambers, which can happen if your home has hard water. 

How much damage can it do?

The damage caused by water hammers can create problems far from the point of origin. It can cause joints to leak, crack your pipes, and weaken fittings, valves, and other plumbing components. If unchecked, it could cause pipes or water lines to burst, leading to flooding and water damage. In addition to the electrical problems this can cause, it will also put your plumbing system out of commission, making it hard to go about your daily chores. 

How can I tell if I have water hammer issues?

The easiest way to diagnose a water hammer is by the sounds it can make. You may hear a banging, thumping, or knocking sound in the wall, particularly when the water is turned on or shut off. There may also be vibrations coming from the appliance or fixture itself, such as a sink.

Though you cannot prevent it entirely, there are ways to minimize the occurrence and the damage before it happens. A plumber will need to come out and assess the layout and integrity of the plumbing infrastructure. They can secure any loose joints to prevent the pipes from knocking or install a water pressure regulator near the main valve to monitor the plumbing system.

If you think your plumbing system could be experiencing water hammer or want to make sure it doesn’t, reach out to Barron Plumbing & Heating. For nearly 50 years, this family-owned and -operated company has garnered a reputation as the Home Comfort Engineers of Barron County, WI. While providing knowledgeable, friendly service for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs, they back their work with 1-year warranties on installations and the products they use. Call (715) 537-3448 or visit them online to schedule a plumbing inspection.