Water hammer is the term used for the sudden increase in water pressure when a valve or shut-off device in a water supply is closed. This results in a “spike” in water pressure that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and appliances by causing water hammer. The sudden increase in water pressure may also cause your plumbing pipes to vibrate and produce a loud or grinding noise like nothing you’ve ever heard before – a phenomenon known as water hammer shock. If left unchecked, water hammer can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system that will cost you time and money to repair. Luckily, there are some easy ways to address this common issue and keep it from recurring again and again throughout the year.
What causes water hammer?
Water hammer occurs when a sudden change in flow occurs within a system of pipes. Anything that causes the flow of water to be stopped suddenly will cause water hammer. This could include: - The closing of a faucet or other device that controls water flow - The back-up of a toilet or other water-using appliance - A break in a water main - A sudden increase in demand from other appliances in the home - The running of a sump pump - A change in water level in a storage tank - When water is pumped out of a well - When water is pumped into a well - The opening of an airlock or air-water mixing device - The opening of a siphon - The operation of a float switch - The sudden loss of pressure in a system of pipes - The sudden flow of water into a closed system
How to fix water hammer
When you start to notice water hammer in your home, the best solution is to find the source of the water hammer and correct it. Most times, water hammer is caused by the closing of a faucet or other water control device. To fix this water hammer issue, you will need to turn the faucet off, then turn it back on again. If your faucet is attached to a sink, or your toilet and shower are connected to the same pipe, then you will need to shut off the water supply to those devices as well. Once you’ve corrected the water source, you can also consider investing in a water hammer arrestor. These devices are often made from water-resistant materials and can be attached to your faucets, water control devices, and other pipes to reduce the amount of water hammer in your home.
How to reduce the risk of water hammer
You can reduce the risk of water hammer by following these tips:- Keep water faucets in the kitchen and bathroom shut off whenever you do not use them.- Avoid letting the water run whenever possible.- Check your water meter to see if it is accurate.- Avoid water hammer by installing a water hammer arrestor.- Make sure your hot water heater is working properly.- Check for leaks in your plumbing system.- Avoid using water-saving devices when they might cause water hammer.- Never run water into a house from a fire hydrant.- Avoid using water to clean sand- or soil-based materials.
Conclusion
Water hammer is the sudden increase in pressure when a faucet or other shut-off device is closed. This can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and appliances by causing water hammer. Luckily, there are some easy ways to address this common issue and keep it from recurring again and again throughout the year. If you start to notice water hammer in your home, the best solution is to find the source of the water hammer and correct it. You can reduce the risk of water hammer by following these tips.