Can Water Hammer Damage Pipes and What You Can Do

Water hammer is a common plumbing issue that can cause significant damage to your pipes. It occurs when water suddenly stops flowing, creating a shockwave that can damage the pipes and fittings.

The force of water hammer can be intense, with some studies showing that it can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. This can cause pipes to burst or become loose, leading to costly repairs.

To prevent water hammer damage, it's essential to install a shock-absorbing device, such as an air chamber or a water hammer arrester. These devices can help to reduce the impact of the shockwave and prevent damage to your pipes.

Water hammer can cause significant damage to your pipes and plumbing system. This is because the impact force on the valve can create pressure spikes that exceed ten times the working pressure of the system.

Repeated water hammer can lead to the catastrophic failure of gasketed joints and expansion joints. This can also affect the integrity of pipe walls and welded joints.

Ignoring water hammer can result in costly repairs, including pipe damage or leaks, wear and tear on valves and joints, and increased risk of future repairs.

Water leaks can start slowly and go unnoticed for quite some time, but they can lead to significant damage to surrounding equipment and infrastructure.

The long-term effects of water hammer can include pump and flow system damage, as well as ruptured pipelines due to pressure spikes. These ruptures can be expensive to repair and can cause extensive damage to the entire system and other equipment.

Here are some common causes of water hammer:

Water hammer can be a real nuisance, but the good news is that there are many ways to prevent it and troubleshoot the issue. You can start by checking if your home has an air chamber, which is a vertical pipe located near the water valve that helps alleviate water hammer by acting as a cushion.

To fix an air chamber that's become waterlogged, simply drain your plumbing system by shutting off the main water valve and opening the highest faucet in your home. Then, drain water from the lowest faucet. This should fill the chamber with air and resolve the water hammer problem.

If your home doesn't have an air chamber, consider having a plumber install one. Air chambers are an effective solution to prevent water hammer, and they're often installed as part of the piping system design.

Tightening loose pipe straps can also help prevent banging and water hammer. If the straps aren't tight enough, or if a few straps are missing, the pipes can knock around and create noise. You can fix the problem by tightening the screws holding loose pipe straps or installing additional straps for added stability.

In some cases, the pipes themselves can be the culprit behind water hammer. If the pipes are loose or not properly secured, they can cause noise and vibrations. Insulating water supply lines with foam pipe insulation can help prevent pipes from freezing and create a cushion for loose pipes.

Here are some effective measures to prevent water hammer:

Loose elbows or valves can cause knocking pipes, but tightening them usually fixes the issue. In some cases, the base of the pipe may be vibrating against another surface due to air pockets, which can be resolved by adjusting the pipe's position.

If your pipes are still knocking after tightening the elbows and valves, it might be due to air pockets in the pipe. Fortunately, most problems can be fixed without calling a plumber.

To prevent water hammer, it's essential to choose the right type of check valve. Silent or spring-assisted check valves are a better option as they reduce the possibility of water hammer.

Air chambers are another effective solution to prevent water hammer. These systems consist of a short segment of pipe with an empty/air-filled chamber that serves as a cushion for the water to expand when it changes direction suddenly.

Other methods for preventing water hammer include flushing old systems, installing pressure reducers and regulators in the supply line, reducing operating pressure, and investing in piping systems that feature air chambers as part of the design.

Here are some effective methods for preventing water hammer:

Knocking pipes can be caused by the expansion and contraction of water within metal or plastic pipes in your house, as water runs through a pipe and heats up or cools down.

Loose elbows or valves that aren't completely open or closed can also cause knocking pipes, making it a relatively simple fix.

Air pockets between pipes can cause the base of the pipe to vibrate against another surface, leading to knocking sounds.

In many cases, knocking pipes can be fixed without calling a plumber, making it a DIY-friendly issue.

Water hammer is a specific noise caused by the sudden pressure to stop the flow of quick-moving water.

High water pressure, quick-closing valves, loose pipes, and faulty air chambers can all contribute to water hammer in your home.

Here are some common causes of water hammer:

Ignoring water hammer can lead to more significant problems, including pipe damage or leaks.

Water hammer can occur due to excess water pressure in supply lines, or perhaps plumbing pipes have come loose.

Pumps, valves, expansion joints, gasketed joints, and welded joints can be seriously damaged.

Water leaks, ruptured pipes, and property damage can result from water hammer.

Here are some potential issues to watch out for:

Addressing the issue promptly protects your home and ensures a quieter, more efficient plumbing system.