Also known as hydraulic shock, water hammer occurs when a water source gets shut off abruptly. Water typically moves quickly through pipes, resulting in loud clanging or banging noises when it shuts off unexpectedly. If you have noticed this issue in your home, take a moment to learn about the most common water hammer factors and what you and a plumber can do about them.

What Contributes to Water Hammer?

Factors

Improper pipe installation can cause water hammer because loose pipes make even more noise than their tightly-secured counterparts. Proper plumbing installations also contain air cushions or chambers that dampen the noise from the shock waves that water swiftly changing directions makes. These chambers absorb the noise; however, if they are old or installed incorrectly, they allow water to take in more air and get louder.

Water hammer can also occur in steam lines. As the system starts, condensate levels are at their highest. Steam lines unable to warm up in a timely manner do not get the opportunity to eliminate condensate, resulting in water hammer. Both steam mains and condensate return lines can be affected by this issue.

Solutions

Since water hammer creates a variety of plumbing issues, including valve failures, ruptured pipe fittings, and overstressed pressure gauges, it is important to find a solution as quickly as possible. A plumber will identify the exact cause and provide remedies, such as securing loose pipes and insulating them for extra shock absorption. Water pressure regulator installation helps as well, as can shutting off your water main and opening the highest and lowest faucets in your home. This process allows water to drain from your pipes to replenish all the air chambers.

Don’t let water hammer become a serious issue--work with the plumbers at A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service to correct the problem. The Cincinnati master plumbers provide the Tri-State area with residential and commercial solutions, including 24/7 emergency services. Call (513) 733-3311 today for a free estimate or visit the BBB®-accredited business online for a complete service list. Like the Facebook page for additional plumbing tips.