If you’ve ever heard a loud clanging or banging noise coming from your pipes, you’ve likely experienced “water hammer.” This might seem like a fine bit of spookiness to add to your house during October, but this startling sound can make you worry about potential damage to your plumbing system.
We’ve dealt with this issue countless times, and we’re here to break down what’s going on with your pipes and how to fix it with professional plumbing repair in Lake Worth, FL.
What Is Water Hammer?
Water hammer occurs when the flow of water through your plumbing suddenly stops or changes direction. This creates a pressure wave that causes the pipes to bang against their surroundings, like walls or other fixtures. The result? A loud, unsettling sound that can range from a light tapping to a severe bang that echoes throughout your home.
What Causes Water Hammer?
Several common situations can lead to water hammer in your plumbing:
- High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure in your plumbing system can increase the force of the water flow. When the water is suddenly stopped or redirected, the pressure creates a more violent water hammer effect.
- Loose or Poorly Secured Pipes: If your pipes aren’t properly secured to the walls or floors of your home, the pressure wave can cause them to knock into nearby surfaces, amplifying the noise.
- Old or Worn Plumbing Systems: Older homes with outdated plumbing may be more prone to water hammer due to worn-out valves, corroded pipes, or poorly designed systems that lack proper shock absorption.
Ignoring the sounds of water hammer can have serious consequences. Beyond the noise nuisance, repeated pressure waves can weaken your plumbing system, leading to pipe damage, damage to appliances like your washing machine or even water heater, and structure damage to your home.
How Our Professional Plumbers Can Help
- Inspect and Secure Pipes: One of the first steps is to check if your pipes are properly secured. We can add pipe straps or brackets to prevent them from moving when water flows through them.
- Install Water Hammer Arrestors: A water hammer arrestor is a small device that acts as a shock absorber for your pipes. When installed near quick-shutoff valves, these devices cushion the pressure waves, preventing the pipes from making that dreaded clanging noise. This is often one of the most effective solutions for eliminating water hammer.
- Adjust Water Pressure: If your home’s water pressure is too high, a plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to bring it down to a safer level. Not only will this reduce the occurrence of water hammer, but it will also protect your entire plumbing system from excessive wear and tear.
- Evaluate Your Plumbing System: For older homes or those with persistent water hammer issues, it might be necessary to do a more thorough evaluation of your plumbing. This includes checking for any outdated or malfunctioning components, such as old valves or corroded pipes, that may be contributing to the problem.
Call General Plumbing and Air Conditioning for Help
If you’ve been dealing with the unpleasant sounds of water hammer in your plumbing, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact General Plumbing and Air Conditioning today. Our experienced plumbers can assess your system, identify the root cause, and provide effective solutions to eliminate water hammer for good.
For Red Carpet Service Every Time, Contact General Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Lake Worth, FL.