How to Stop Water Pipes From Banging

Some water pipes make a loud clanging or banging sound when the water in the faucet is turned off. The noise is due to high water pressure which is called a water hammer. A water hammer can cause damage to your plumbing. It puts extra pressure on pipes, valves and joints. This is a problem you can correct yourself rather than call a plumber.

Instructions

1. Shut the main valve which supplies the water to your home.

2. Turn off all water valves to appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerator if you have an icemaker or through the door water supply.

3. Turn off the valves for your toilets.

4. Go to the sink closest to the main water supply valve, turn on the cold water and leave it running.

5. Go to the sink furthest from the main water supply valve, turn on the cold water and leave it running.

6. When the water stops flowing from both faucets, shut the faucets off.

7. Turn the main water supply valve back on.

8. Turn the water supply valve on for the appliances.

9. Turn the water supply valve on for the toilets and flush the toilets.

10. Turn on every faucet in the house, both hot and cold. Begin with the ones closest to the main water supply valve. Don't forget to include bathtubs and showers.

11. Allow all faucets and showers to run for at least 5 minutes after the air has been forced out of the pipes. This will be a noisy process as the air is forced out of the water pipes. The water will spit and spray from your faucets due to the air pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Your pipes will no longer bang when the faucet is turned off because you have created a necessary water cushion.