Of the plumbing problems Lawrenceville residents experience, water hammer is the most mysterious. This blog post will discuss water hammer and answer the most frequently asked questions about the issue.. Read on to find out what a water hammer is, its causes, prevention tips, and how to fix it DIY. Also, find out what a plumber can do to stop it.
Ask Lawrenceville Plumber, Anthony Wimpey Plumbing, About Your Plumbing Problems: What is a water hammer?
Water hammer is the loud banging or pounding sounds that can occur when a valve opens or closes quickly, causing a shock wave in the pipes. That can damage your pipes and fittings over time if it continues. More than other plumbing issues, this one bothers Lawrenceville more than the rest.
Why are my plumbing pipes so loud?
It is a common issue that can occur in plumbing systems. When plumbing pipes make loud banging sounds, you have a water hammer. It is due to a sudden change in water pressure, which can create a loud banging or knocking sound.
What causes a water hammer?
The plumbing problem water hammer has several potential causes. Lawrenceville plumbers at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing name high water pressure, loosely secured pipes, and water-using appliances as common causes. If you have experienced recent changes or repairs to your plumbing system, this could also be a contributing factor. Now, read on to learn more about this strange plumbing problem.
A water hammer happens when the water pressure in a plumbing system changes abruptly. For example, shutting off a sink, tub, or shower faucet can momentarily change system water pressure. When water pressure fluctuates, high pressure can push water toward the normal flow. The irregular water movement inside the pipe makes the creepy pounding sounds known as water hammer.
Water hammer is commonly due to high water pressure. But how high? If the water pressure is near 100 psi, it will likely cause water hammering. A plumbing system’s water pressure should be about 30 to 55 psi. Water pressure in a plumbing system can also fluctuate with highs and lows. And one appliance is often responsible for water pressure fluctuations. So, you may have a major appliance responsible for the water hammer causing pressure changes in your system.
What is going on? These appliances use solenoid valves to cut their water supply on and off. And solenoid valves can close in 30 milliseconds, which is incredibly fast. So, although manually turning off a faucet can cause pipes to hammer, a clothes washer or dishwasher is often the culprit.
Many appliances and household fixtures can cause water hammers. This happens when the appliances connected to your water system are too strong. And they create strong pressure shifts inside your water lines. In addition, clothes washing machines, ice makers, landscaping sprinkler systems, water heaters, and dishwashers can overpower a plumbing system causing hammering. It helps to have appropriately sized appliances professionally installed to avoid this issue.
How can you prevent water hammer?
First, ensuring your Lawrenceville, GA plumbing system is professionally installed and maintained is essential. That may involve installing a pressure-reducing valve, replacing old or damaged pipes and fittings, or adjusting your water pressure to a safe and appropriate level.
Suppose you are experiencing a water hammer in your home or business. In that case, addressing the issue is essential to avoid potential damage to your plumbing system and property. Water hammer has several possible causes, including high water pressure, loose pipes or fittings, or outdated air chambers. If you have experienced recent changes or repairs to your plumbing system, this could also be a contributing factor. A plumber can check and adjust the water pressure to fix water hammer problems. They may also secure loose pipes or fittings or install arrestors to absorb shock.
How do you fix a water hammer?
There is more than one way to address water hammer issues. Most of them involve calling a plumber to visit your home or business. However, before you do that, there is a DIY water hammer fix you can try.
Is there a DIY fix for water hammer? Lawrenceville Plumbers Tell All
To fix a water hammer, follow these four steps:
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Turn off the main water supply to your home.
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Open all the water faucets in your home to drain the water from the pipes.
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Once the water is drained, close all the faucets.
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Turn on the main water supply to your home, allowing the pipes to refill with water.
Air will be pushed out through the faucets as the pipes refill, eliminating trapped air in the plumbing system. And that can stop water hammer issues. Hopefully, this DIY water hammer fix works for you. But if the issue persists, please call us to schedule an appointment. If the problem continues, consulting a professional plumber such as Anthony Wimpey Plumbing for assistance is best. Our team of experienced plumbers can help address water hammer issues in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, and DeKalb County.
How does a plumber fix a water hammer?
A Lawrenceville plumber can fix water hammer problems in numerous ways. For example, they may install water hammer arrestors for shock absorption or pressure regulators to minimize pressure changes. Other plumbers may install a slow-closing solenoid valve to stop water hammer issues.
Installing water hammer arrestors works by absorbing shocks caused by sudden water flow changes. Pressure regulator installation mitigates pressure flux that causes water hammer. Similarly, faulty pressure regulator replacement on the water main solves the problem when the regulator is not working. Installing a solenoid valve helps regulate water pressure in specific scenarios, reducing the likelihood of issues such as water hammer.
Furthermore, installing a solenoid valve can help in various ways, such as effectively controlling the water flow in your plumbing system. This type of valve is an electromechanical device that opens or closes when an electrical current is applied, allowing for precise control over fluid flow. By installing a solenoid valve, you can prevent leaks, save water, and enhance the overall efficiency of your plumbing system. If you need solenoid valve installation or other plumbing services, consider contacting a professional plumber like Anthony Wimpey Plumbing.
Can plastic pipes cause water hammer?
CPCV and PEX plumbing lines are synthetic. Therefore, these plastic water supply lines do not cause water hammer. However, plumbing systems with plastic pipes can experience water hammer. Although these lines are susceptible to having water hammers, plastic pipes will not hammer as loudly as copper lines, for example. To check, watch out for moving and flexing of the exposed sections of plastic pipe in your system. Do that while someone turns a faucet on and then off quickly.
How does a water hammer sound?
Imagine taking a hammer and striking a pipe in your plumbing system rather than driving a nail through a piece of wood. A water hammer sounds just like that. And the sound is annoying to some and startling to others. It is unpleasant and a problem to address immediately due to the consequences.
Do air chambers cause a water hammer?
Air chambers are a common element of most modern plumbing systems. These chambers help regulate pressure changes by stopping water from sloshing inside pipes. When there is too much water in your air chambers, it can cause a water hammer. Incredibly old plumbing pipes do not have air chambers, but deterioration of old pipes also causes water hammer.
Who can fix a water hammer in Lawrenceville? Top Local Plumber, Anthony Wimpey Plumbing
Anthony Wimpey Plumbing is the best plumber to help you with plumbing system issues such as water hammers. We have many affordable water hammer solutions, including pressure regulator and solenoid valve installation services. In addition, we provide pipeline services such as pipe repair, pipe replacement, and repiping for commercial and residential properties. We are the best plumbing company in Lawrenceville to tackle all your plumbing problems.
We offer a full range of residential and commercial plumbing services. So, contact us for emergency plumbing services, plumbing repair services, professional drain cleaning services, and sump pump services. But that is not all we do. We also provide water heater installation services, hot water heater replacement services, and tank water heater repair services. Our tankless water heater services include installation, replacement, and repair services.
Call The Best Plumber In Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville’s best plumber is ready to make you a customer for life, Our experts handle Lawrenceville plumbing problems with ease. After over 30 years, we have experience with any plumbing issue you may have. Do you have polybutylene pipe in your plumbing system? Anthony Wimpey Plumbing is the affordable plumber near me for fast line repairs. That includes sewer line repair and sewer line replacement services. In addition, call us for bathroom drain cleaning services, shower drain repair services, toilet repair services, and faucet replacement.
Finding a reliable plumber worthy of your trust is worth your time and effort. When you need a plumber in Lawrenceville, contact our team at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing by completing our Free Quote form online. We look forward to providing the exact plumbing solutions you need with customer service that exceeds your expectations. Call 770-415-8133 to talk to a plumber.