What is water hammer and how can it be stopped?

What is water hammer and how can it be stopped?

What is water hammer and how can it be stopped?

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Written by Brain Lemair

Tuesday, 27 January 2009 11:31

One of the most well known plumbing noises is water hammer. It sounds like a hammer hitting pipes because water going through the pipe hits a bend in the pipe causing a shockwave. Water hammer is often caused by quick-closing valves, like those on washing machines and dishwashers, but the sudden shutting-off of water flow to toilets or by faucets can cause it as well. Whatever the culprit, the result is the same -a loud bang or banging sound. This impact can create pressure, and over time these repeated impacts and the pressure they cause can damage pipes and valves, weakening them and pipe joints.

by BrainLemair

One of the most well known plumbing noises is water hammer. It sounds like a hammer hitting pipes because water going through the pipe hits a bend in the pipe causing a shockwave. Water hammer is often caused by quick-closing valves, like those on washing machines and dishwashers, but the sudden shutting-off of water flow to toilets or by faucets can cause it as well. Whatever the culprit, the result is the same -a loud bang or banging sound. This impact can create pressure, and over time these repeated impacts and the pressure they cause can damage pipes and valves, weakening them and pipe joints.

A solution to the water hammer problem, in more modern homes, is to install devices called air chambers. The chambers or cushions are filled with air, they absorb the shockwaves. The problem is that over time these devices often become partly or completely filled with water. This happens because the air, over time, is absorbed by the water, and water takes the lost air's place.

The damage water hammer causes can lead to a pipe breaking or bursting, which can lead to property damage or even injury. A professional evaluation is recommended, both to determine the extent of the problem and to get an estimate of what repairs or replacement will cost.

Even though water hammer generally isn't very threatening, it has caused accidents and fatalities. Usually the most damage done is the breaking or busting of a pipe from the inside. It's important to have a professional evaluate your problem and see how extensive the problem is and what it will take to repair it.

If the air chamber is lower than the height of the valve, more work may be needed. The main water supply lines might need to be drained too. Sometimes air chambers won't drain completely; it may be because of build-up of mineral or chemical deposits. If the chamber can't be cleaned out it will need to be replaced.

Installing air chambers in a home that doesn't have them can be a great solution, many currently manufactured units even have built-in valves that let air refill. Reducing the overall water pressure in a home is another option if no air chambers exist. Pressure-reducing valves can be fitted into the water supply lines. But this could lead to the water pressure being too low for upper-level bathtubs, showers, toilets, and faucets.

About the Author:

Brain LeMaire has served as President of CuraFlo since September 2006, before that he has worked in the pipe repair and pipe restoration industry in Vancouver, Canada as General Manager of West Coast Pipe Restoration. He just updated the Page on low water flow

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