Have you got strange sounds coming from your pipes? Water hammer sounds can be annoying and, if not fixed immediately, cause severe damage to your pipes.
Water hammer, a type of hydraulic shock, typically occurs when there’s a sudden change in water velocity within the pipes. This can happen due to a quick closing or opening of a tap. It might also lead to serious issues like excessive water flow and banging sounds from the pipes. If the surge in water pressure is high enough, it might even burst the pipes.
In this article, we’ll explore practical solutions to eliminate water hammer in your pipes. If you’re prepared, let’s dive into how you can fix a water hammer!
How to Stop Pipes Hammering (Noisy Pipes)
These are the eight effective ways to get rid of the water hammer in your pipes:
1. Air Pockets In Your Pipes
Air pockets in your pipes are often the main cause of water hammer. If you hear a noise when turning on a tap, it’s likely due to air chambers causing issues. Try running the tap closest to your water meter first.
Then, turn on all the taps one by one until they are all flowing. After that, turn them all in reverse order. Hopefully, that will release the air chamber and fix the water hammer issue in your plumbing system.
2. Don’t Open The Valves All The Way
Although it’s not a long-term solution, it’s still worth trying before you get a permanent fix for the issue. As you might know, water hammers are mainly caused by dishwashers and washing machines when the shut-off valves close rapidly. Therefore, we suggest you try partially opening the inlet valves but not all the way.
3. Make Sure You Secure The Pipe
If you can identify the noisy pipe that is causing the water hammer, make sure you secure it as soon as possible
4. Water Pressure Limiting Valve
As high water pressure frequently causes water hammer, installing a pressure-limiting valve at your meter can help manage the issue. Don’t hesitate to call a local plumber if you need assistance.
5. Water Hammer Arresters
These highly functional devices are available in our local hardware store. They can be installed at the cold and hot water outlets to stop water hammers or noisy pipes, especially when several appliances connect to the same tap.
6. Intake Connections
You can consider replacing the intake connections of devices such as washing machines and dishwashers that tend to cause water hammers. Replacing the intake hoses with wider ones is advisable for the best results. Even though there is no guarantee doing this will stop water hammer sounds, it’s certainly worth trying.
7. Consider Installing Soft-Close Faucets
Do you have modern mixer taps installed at your home? If so, it’s about time you replaced those with conventional taps. The former tends to shut off the water supply instantly with a finger flick, which often changes the water flow rate, causing a water hammer.
8. Call The Plumber
If none of these solutions work, it’s time to reach out to a local plumber. They’ll investigate your pipes to pinpoint the source of the water hammer and address it effectively.
How To Install Water Hammer Arrestors
We’ve already talked about water hammer arresters; now, we shall look at how you can install them to fix water hammers.
1. Identify Which Valve Is Causing The Problem
Often, a water hammer happens when a tap turns off instantly. So, when you turn on your tap, be sure to listen and identify the origin of the noise. Doing this will help you determine which supply line is causing the issue, and that will be where you will have to install the water hammer arrester.
As mentioned, dishwashers and washing machines tend to cause water hammers since they feature automatic valves that close instantly.
2. Be Sure To Turn Off The Main Water Supply
Before installing, turn off the main water supply to your house by turning the valve clockwise. Then, allow the pipes to drain by turning on a faucet on the lowest floor of your home. Lastly, you must drain the pipes before installing a water hammer arrester.
3. Install The Arresters On Both The Cold And The Hot Water Supply Lines
Installing the arresters on both supply lines will protect both pipes from damage caused by this issue. If you are unsure how to go about it, call a professional.
4. Install The Washing Machine Arrester
An arrester specifically devised for washing machines is called a “hose attachment” and is constructed to fit the point where the supply line attaches easily.
Therefore, to install a washing machine arrester, you first must detach the water supply from the machine and then screw the product onto the device. After that, screw the water supply line onto the other end of the water hammer arrester.
On an important note, make sure to measure the diameter of the supply line of the washing machine so that it’s the same size as the attachment of the arrester. Also, don’t forget which supply pipe is cold and hot while reattaching them.
5. Mark The Area Of Installation
You must cut the supply line when installing arresters on the other taps. Make sure you measure the diameter of the supply line and buy a t-fitting that matches the size. You’ll also need to purchase an arrester that conveniently screws into the T-fitting.
Next, place it on the pipe and use a pencil to mark where it will connect. Ideally, you would want to choose a place that’s easily accessible yet out of sight, such as in the basement or behind an access panel.
6. Cut The Pipe Using A Pipe Cutter
Next, you need to use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe. If the pipe is too thick, you might have to tighten the cutter and use it again. You can use a hacksaw instead of a pipe cutter if you have a hacksaw. However, a piper will provide a cleaner cut.
7. Prepare For Soldering
The next step is to prepare to solder the t-fitting to the water supply pipe by applying flux. Make sure you apply it where you will be attaching the t-fitting. After that, insert the t-fitting into the pipe. Clean the joint using an emery cloth to make the soldering process more manageable.
8. Soldering
This part is going to be a bit tricky, so read carefully. Also, we strongly recommend using safety goggles for this step.
First, you need to light the propane torch. Use the tip to heat the flux until it bubbles for the best results. Then, it would help if you kept moving the torch around to avoid overheating a particular area.
After that, apply the solder; you will see it melting immediately after attaching the t-fitting to the supply pipe. Put the flame and the solder around the pipe to seal it correctly. Lastly, screw the arrester onto the t-fitting.
9. Turn On The Water Supply
Once you’ve installed arresters on both the hot and cold water lines, it’s time to turn the water supply back on.
Stopping Your Noisy Pipes: Water Hammer Solutions
That was almost everything you needed to know about stopping water hammer.
Water hammer is a common issue for many Australians, so you’re not alone. If none of the methods above work, it’s wise to call a plumber sooner rather than later. If you’re in Perth, Woolf Plumbing is here to help with your repairs. Contact us to resolve your noisy pipes!
On that note, it’s time for us to sign off. Until next time, take care!
