The Reasons for Hammering in Residential Plumbing
Hammering in plumbing usually sounds like thumping or banging in the water pipes. Water hammer is the result of a pressure spike that causes an explosion in the plumbing. Water hammer can cause damage to the plumbing and many other fixtures and appliances in the home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Shutting Off Water
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Faucets or valves that are quick-closing will cause water hammer. Homes have quick-closing valves and faucets installed in bathrooms and kitchens. Washing machines, toilets and dishwashers have quick-closing valves as well. These valves and faucets are installed on hot and cold water pipes. When the valve or faucet is turned off, the water that was flowing suddenly slams into the closed faucet causing an explosion (water hammer) in the pipes. The explosion doesn’t stop at the faucet, but it moves backwards throughout the entire plumbing system.
Other Reasons
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If you have loose pipes in the home, you may hear water hammering. The pressure spike in the pipes when the faucet is turned off causes the pipes to shake and rattle more because the pipes are not secured to the wall or ceiling with straps. Faucets that have bad washers will also cause water hammer when the water flow is stopped. Securing the pipes and replacing the washers on faucets will minimize the sound of hammering, but you need to stop the water hammering all together.
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Destruction
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If you allow water hammering to continue because it is only an annoyance when you turn off the water, you will risk damaging many fixtures and appliances in the home. Water hammer doesn’t just stop, but it continues until something absorbs the pressure spike. The pipes can eventually rupture or start leaking, water meters can become damaged and water heaters, dishwashers and refrigerators with a water supply can be damaged from water hammer.
Arresters
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Arresters prolong the life of fixtures, plumbing and appliances using the water supply by creating an air chamber to cushion the pressure spike. The arresters are installed in the plumbing lines directly behind the quick shut-off faucets and valves. When you shut off a water faucet quickly, the explosion is cushioned by the air chamber and stops water hammer.
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