If you have ever heard a sudden bang or thud in your pipes after shutting off a faucet or an appliance that uses water, you have most likely experienced a plumbing issue known as water hammer. The sound can be startling, but this noise is more than an annoyance in your living space. It is a warning sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system. This can cause damage to your system, leading to leaks, broken fittings, and expensive repairs.
What Is Water Hammer?
In simple terms, water hammer happens when fast-moving water suddenly stops or changes direction in your plumbing system. Normally, water flows smoothly through your pipes, but when a valve or faucet closes too quickly, the water has nowhere to go. This is likely to occur when your washing machine or dishwasher suddenly shuts off. The sudden stop creates a shockwave that rattles your pipes and produces that telltale banging noise.
Think of it like slamming on the brakes in a moving car. When your car suddenly stops, everything inside it lurches forward because of the force of the momentum. The same thing happens inside your plumbing system. The momentum of the water has to go somewhere, and it ends up creating pressure waves that shake your pipes and fittings. Over time, this constant stress can loosen joints, damage valves, or even rupture weak sections of pipe.
Common Signs of Water Hammer
You will usually hear water hammer before you see any visible damage, but it’s important to pay attention to other signs that your system is under strain. The most obvious indicator is the sudden banging, clanging, or thumping noise that occurs after shutting off the water. This noise might come from behind walls, under floors, or near appliances.
You might also notice your pipes physically vibrating when you hear the sound. If your residential plumbing isn’t well secured, those vibrations can become strong enough to loosen mounting brackets or cause pipes to shift. Another subtle warning sign is leaking around joints or valves. The repeated pressure surges caused by water hammer can loosen seals and connections, leading to small leaks that may worsen over time.
Sometimes, you might even experience issues with your fixtures. This includes faucets that drip after you’ve turned them off or washing machines that make strange noises when filling or draining. These can be indirect symptoms of pressure spikes related to water hammer.
Why Water Hammer Is More Than Just a Noise Problem
While the sound itself can be unnerving, the real issue lies in the damage that happens silently behind your walls. Each shockwave of pressure travels through your plumbing and hits elbows, joints, and valves. Over time, that impact wears down metal and plastic components alike. The constant vibration can also damage your water heater, appliances, and shut-off valves. If your pipes burst or a fitting fails, the result could be extensive water damage to your home.
Even if your pipes don’t rupture, water hammer reduces the overall lifespan of your plumbing system. Older homes in the Marion area, especially those with galvanized or copper pipes, are more vulnerable. The materials and installation methods used decades ago didn’t always include the protective features newer systems have today, making older pipes more prone to fatigue.
What Causes Water Hammer in the First Place?
There are several factors that can be the cause of water hammer in your home’s plumbing system. One of the most common causes of this is quick-closing valves. Modern appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and even some newer faucets shut off water flow almost instantly, which makes your system more likely to experience sudden pressure surges.
Another common cause is high water pressure. If the water pressure coming into your home is too strong, the impact of a sudden stop becomes even more forceful. The recommended household water pressure should be around 40 to 60 pounds per square inch. Anything above that can strain your pipes.
Improperly secured pipes can also make the problem worse. Pipes that aren’t tightly fastened to the framing in your walls or floors have more freedom to move. This means that when a shockwave hits these pipes, they rattle and bang against the structure. Some older homes used air chambers, short vertical pipes installed near fixtures, to cushion water flow. Over time, these chambers can fill with water and lose their ability to absorb pressure changes, allowing water hammer to return.
How to Prevent Water Hammer
Preventing water hammer starts with identifying the cause and addressing it before it leads to costly damage. If your water pressure is too high, installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can help. We can easily check your water pressure with a simple gauge and make adjustments to bring it within a safe range.
Another effective solution is to install water hammer arrestors. These small devices absorb the shockwaves caused by sudden changes in water flow. They contain a cushion of air or gas that compresses when pressure surges, preventing the noise and vibration from spreading through your pipes. Arrestors are especially useful for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that turn water flow on and off rapidly.
Securing your pipes is another simple but effective preventive measure. Our team can help to inspect your plumbing system to make sure all pipes are properly anchored using clips or brackets. This minimizes movement and reduces noise when pressure fluctuations occur.
In some cases, draining your plumbing system can restore air to old air chambers. You can do this by turning off your main water supply, opening all faucets to let water drain out, and then closing them again before turning the supply back on. This process reintroduces air pockets into the system, which helps cushion water flow.
When to Call a Plumber
While you can perform some simple checks yourself, water hammer often requires professional expertise from our plumbing repair team to diagnose and fix completely. If you continue to hear banging noises, call us at Baker & Sons Plumbing for help. Persistent water hammer might mean your system needs new arrestors, better pipe support, or pressure adjustments that only one of our trained technicians can perform safely. You should also reach out to our team if you notice leaks, visible pipe damage, or fluctuating water pressure. These symptoms can indicate that the issue has already started to cause wear and tear on your system.
Protecting Your Marion Home From Water Hammer Damage
Addressing water hammer early keeps your system efficient and prevents small problems from turning into expensive emergencies. The good news is that water hammer is completely preventable with proper care and maintenance. Whether your home needs a pressure adjustment or a complete inspection, working with our team helps to make sure that your plumbing system stays efficient. At Baker & Sons Plumbing, we have been serving the Marion area since 1986, so we have years of forming trust in the community. Schedule an inspection with Baker & Sons Plumbing today!
