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| The Solution for Water Hammer (Noisy Pipes) |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Friday, 30 January 2009 04:39 |
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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 sudden onset of water hammer in a home is generally a sign that its plumbing’s air chambers have filled with so much water that they aren’t working anymore. It’s possible to fix the problem if the affected chamber(s) can be located. First, the water needs to be turned off at a point before it reaches the affected chamber(s), then the problem valve or faucet needs to be opened to allow all the water in it to be drained. Air will replace it and restore the cushion. An air chamber that’s under the level of the valve or faucet may present more work. The home’s main water supply lines may need to be drained so that the chamber(s) can fill with air. An air chamber that won’t drain properly may be clogged with scale, tuberculation, or minerals and chemicals in the water. Sometimes it’s not possible to clean out the chamber(s), and replacement is left as the likely option. If a home doesn’t have air chambers built into its plumbing system, reducing the overall water pressure might be a solution. This can be done by installing pressure-reducing valves in the water supply lines. But this might not work because the water pressure might be too low for second and third floor faucets and toilets to work properly. Another solution is to install air chambers, may current models have built-in valves for letting their air refill. Other than damage caused by the affected pipe’s breaking, water hammer isn’t usually dangerous. It is important though to have a professional evaluate your problem and to help determine what will be needed to fix it. |
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