Why Do My Pipes Bang When I Turn Off the Faucet? Understanding Water Hammer

Water hammer is the experience of a flowing current of water hitting resistance, although you are probably more familiar with it as that annoying thud or swoosh on the wall or ceiling. This phenomenon can actually cause damage or stress to plumbing that most homeowners will want to avoid, although many folks don't think twice about setting up a situation where it occurs. Here's how to recognize, understand, and respond to water hammer.

Handling the needs and concerns of Spartanburg, SC residents, an expert plumbing company can explain what the problem is and help you figure out what you should do next if you're having problems with your home's plumbing, or when to call a plumber.

What is a Water Hammer? Causes, Warning Signs & How To Fix It

This frustrating issue is something most homeowners prefer to turn over to the experts. Nonetheless, learning about this common problem—and the dangers it poses—can keep your home's plumbing in tip-top shape.

For those homeowners who have been questioning why I hear loud pipes in Spartanburg, SC, don't just take the noise at face value. Let a professional plumbing company analyze the problem and determine the water hammer diagnosis and solutions.

What Causes a Water Hammer?

The home appliances you use daily are no exception, they also include some type of water shut off. You can imagine that water rushing along at high speeds is suddenly brought to a halt immediately prior to the fixture. Due to the water's momentum it's going to vibrate, and put huge stresses on your connections, fixtures and valves and a water hammer is born.

The fixtures equipped with the fast closing valve or automatic shut off device may be the problem. This can be a dishwasher, a washing machine, a toilet or a refrigerator. You may also hear the banging and swishing noise caused when pipes get close to the brackets or your floorboards.

Air chambers or water-hammer arresters can be installed to absorb these pressures. Water logged chambers or failed arresters can result in minimal or no shock absorption.

Water being pumped into the house under too much pressure may also contribute. This may be a problem with the city water supply, or it may be your well. A plumber can check the main pressure.

What Fixtures Usually Produce This?

The fast closing valve is often the cause of a water hammer. Washing machines, dishwashers, and even the fill valve in your toilet can cause this pressure to accumulate in your lines until you suddenly get a sharp bang in your walls or ceiling. It's also a common culprit for vibrating fixtures as the bottled up water tries to find an alternate escape.

The flow of water through the pipes may sometimes cause these sounds. Turning the faucet too quickly may create this same effect, or cause the water to swish more rapidly. These sounds are very easy to come from single lever lavatory or tub valves. Refrigerators or automatic water valves in ice makers may also cause audible sounds.

That however is not the only way the appliance can make noises. Your pump can also knock or thud if not secured properly.

Note which fixture was on or what appliance was in use at the time of the noise. You may be able to feel a vibration emanating from the noise source on the wall or ceiling.

The Case for Paying Attention to Water Hammer

From time to time these will occur, and should not be a cause of concern for the homeowner. Noise that is excessively loud and continuous, however, should be investigated, as there may be potential damage.

Leaks left unchecked or easy dislodging can cause the connection to spring a leak that can compromise the integrity of the remaining plumbing fixtures in your home. While any plumbing leak warrants urgent professional leak repairs, you might consider shutting off the water to the source of the device or fixture if you can do so safely in order to minimize damages.

Never forget to get a plumber to examine the site if you can't identify the origin of the leak or shut it off unless you are sure that you've only shut off water to that fixture. Never try to increase or lower the house pressure on your own, and bear in mind there's more to a plumbing repair than a handful of tight parts.

A Professional's Guide to Fixing a Water Hammer

If you're concerned about loud pipes in Spartanburg, SC, your local licensed plumber can identify the root of the problem and correct it. Often, he or she will inquire about the time of day, which appliances or fixtures are making the noise, and if it is happening at a particular time.

The plumber may operate the affected fixture to reproduce the symptoms and narrow down the potential causes.

The plumbing professional will be able to confirm the most probable source of the problem by inspecting pipe joints, pipes, valves, and water pressure into the house. Equipped with this insight, the plumber may be able to assess what other parts may be needed for a full repair.

Also have the plumber inspect all connections for leaks, wear or other hazards in the area unless the cause of the pressure was immediately obvious. It may be as easy as requiring a little support to alleviate or remove any excessive vibrations along the pipe.

Water Hammer Plumbing Help in Spartanburg, SC

When your washing machine is running, or sometimes when your toilet has finished filling the tank again, a bang or swish might sound suddenly from your ceiling or wall. While such sounds may just be a one time thing, it is always worth investigating the cause, just in case.

Tracking down what time it usually occurs might prove to be good detective work, but regular noises or indications of plumbing stress should always be addressed. Remember, H3 Plumbing & Drains is always here if you're wondering about loud pipes in Spartanburg, SC. With the help of a professional plumber, the cause can be identified and dealt with to stop unnecessary damage and give the occupants of a home some badly needed peace and quiet.

Contact H3 Plumbing & Drains to discuss banging pipes and arrange a plumbing assessment.