You may not think about your plumbing system until something goes wrong. If you hear loud, strange noises in your water pipes, it may be water hammer. Below are some common questions and answers about this phenomenon, so you can be prepared to call a plumbing company if needed.

What You Need to Know About Water Hammer

What is water hammer?

Water hammer is recognizable by a sudden, loud banging noise coming from your water pipes. It happens when the flow of water in your pipes stops quickly, causing the water to move backward in the other direction. The sudden change in direction can make pipes bang loudly against each other, the shut-off valve in your water system, or the wood framing. Water hammer is also sometimes called hydraulic shock.

What causes water hammer?

Water hammer can be caused by high household water pressure, which can affect the regulation of water flow. Also, in older homes, water supply pipes might not be stable and secure, causing them to move when water changes direction. Finally, if there is too much water in your air chamber — the vertical pipe that regulates pressure – that can cause this issue as well.

Can water hammer cause damage?

While it may seem like a minor concern when you first hear it, this issue can get worse if it isn’t addressed. Over time, water hammers can cause leaks, erosion, heavy wear-and-tear, or burst pipes. 

How can I fix water hammer?

If your plumbing system has air chambers, reset them by shutting off your main water line and opening all your valves and faucets. This will clear your air chambers of any water.

If the issue still occurs after this process, it may be your water pressure, old pipes, or a blocked air chamber. In these cases, it’s best to call a plumbing company to diagnose and fix the issue.

Winfrey Plumbing has been serving the Grand Island, NE, area since 1962. Decades of experience and top-notch customer service make them the best commercial and residential plumber in town. Call (3008) 379-9665 to request plumbing services, or fill out a contact form on their website.