Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether an issue requires a professional plumber or if it’s something you can try tackling yourself. Water hammer is that annoying loud hammering sound in the pipes, and usually occurs when you turn water off. Fortunately, this could have an easier fix than you might expect. If you’re ready to try tackling that water hammer once and for all, read on.
What’s causing all the noise?
Water hammer is more common in older homes, as modern plumbing systems have air chambers specifically to prevent this (however if it is occurring in your modern home, these chambers could be clogged with debris or mineral deposits).
Generally, this problem occurs when the water is suddenly turned off, which causes it to crash against the valve with a bang. This creates an air cavity further down the pipes, forming a vacuum. The vacuum is what makes the water surge forward repeatedly, creating the water hammer sound. It stops when the air pressure diminishes.
How can you get rid of water hammer?
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call in a professional. However, if you’re determined to tackle this issue yourself, there is a way you could minimise or even eliminate your water hammer. If you live in an older-style home, try reducing your water pressure to see if that helps.
You may still need a plumber
Water hammer, if left long enough, can actually cause pipes to burst. So while you may tackle this on your own, you’re going to want a plumber eventually to save yourself trouble in the long run. If you’re in a newer home, you’ll need a plumber to clear out the air chambers anyway, so why not call one on Localsearch to get the problem sorted once and for all?
