If you’ve ever turned off a faucet and heard a loud thunk or shudder throughout your home, you might be dealing with water hammer. This problem is linked to sudden stoppages in water flow and can significantly damage your pipes over time. To learn more about this problem and how a plumber can help, review the answers to a few common questions below.

4 FAQ About Water Hammer

What is water hammer?  

Water hammer occurs when water flowing through a pipe is suddenly forced to stop or change direction. The force caused by this stoppage creates a shock wave that can travel throughout the plumbing and cause pipes to shake violently. This causes the characteristic banging noises that give water hammer its name.

What problems can water hammer cause?

The forceful tremors create extra stress on your pipes. The excess force will strain joints, eventually leading to leaks at the seams. In extreme cases, the force can also cause pipes to rupture and flood your home. If you notice water hammer happening in your home, have a professional deal with it before the problem gets worse.

Why does water hammer happen?

Most modern plumbing systems stymie water hammer with the help of air chambers that create spaces where water traveling back down the pipes can overflow. This limits the shock that occurs.

However, if your home has old plumbing or the air chamber has become waterlogged, you may not be protected against water hammer. These issues can also occur if the water pressure in your home is too high.

How can a plumber solve the problem?

If your plumbing already has an air chamber, you may need a plumber to drain the supply line and restore the air chamber to normal operation. If your home does not have an air chamber, a plumber can install one to eliminate the threat of water hammer.

To protect your pipes and your home, contact our team at All American Plumbing in Cabarrus County, NC. With over three decades of experience, we’re skilled at running new plumbing, installing new fixtures, and repairing broken pipes. Learn more about how we can help you online, or call (704) 788-8690 to schedule an appointment with an expert plumber.