No one knows your home better than you do; after all, you’re not only the homeowner, but most likely, you have also invested sweat and dedication in repairs and maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Sadly, a loud banging sound emanating from your plumbing system can cause alarm. This loud bang, known as a “water hammer,” can happen in both new and old houses, but it most frequently happens in older houses. Most people are unaware of the reasons and available treatments for water hammers, even though it affects many homeowners.
You can deal with a water hammer in your home with the assistance of this guide and your trusted plumber from Top Tier Plumbing and Rooter.
Water Hammers
You must first realize that there isn’t a real hammer inside your water lines. The term alludes to the sound your pipes make when a hammer hits them.
The noise is caused by pressure in the pipes that builds up due to rapid changes in water flow. Due to this pressure, the pipes begin to move and clatter against the walls and other pipes.
You might think of a water hammer as a particular kind of stress that can result from a variety of problems.
The most typical kind of water hammer is a hydraulic shock. The hydraulic shock is brought on by the abrupt cessation of water flow and can happen when you shut off a water valve or turn off a faucet.
Thermal shock, which happens when there is a sudden shift in temperature inside your pipes, can also be the cause of a water hammer. The flow of water through your plumbing pipes may increase due to the temperature change, resulting in the slamming sound of the water hammer.
Your plumbing system’s obstruction could be the source of the banging pipes. Alternatively, if the pipes are not correctly fastened to the house’s framing, water flowing through your plumbing
lines won’t be able to support keeping the pipes in place. Congestion, as well as inadequate support, can also cause a water hammer issue.
Treatment by a Professional
A water hammer can be quite harmful in addition to making a loud banging sound. The pipes may expand and crack if there is an excessive amount of internal pressure, which could result in costly water damage and leaks.
Before creating a strategy to stop the noise and stop further harm to your plumbing system and house, your plumber can perform an inspection to help identify the origin of the water hammer issue.
Plumbers typically drain the water lines first. Flushing the pipes may stop a water hammer because obstructions and extra air may be to blame.
A typical remedy for a water hammer is to install a surge arrester. Water hammer is avoided using arresters, which serve as shock absorbers by lowering the pressure inside the pipes. The arresters effectively absorb the shock in the pipes by going right into the water line.
If the water pressure in your pipes is greater than 55 psi, a pressure regulator can also be required. Where the home’s main water supply enters, install the pressure regulator. The regulator keeps your water lines at the right pressure, lowering your chance of plumbing leaks and noisy water pounding.
Finally, your plumbing plumber can assist if the cause of your water hammer is a result of incorrectly fastened pipes. Pipe strapping can prevent any possible movement when water is flowing through your pipes and secure plumbing lines to the house’s frame.
For assistance diagnosing and treating a water hammer or other plumbing problem, contact Top Tier Plumbing and Rooter today. We are happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free estimate.