When plumbing experiences a series of loud banging, knocking, or hammering noises, you are experiencing water hammer. It occurs when a faucet is turned off quickly, causing a sudden stop of running water, resulting in the characteristic noise of water hammer in the home’s plumbing in Arlington.
The occurrence of water hammer indicates there is a problem with your home’s plumbing system. Furthermore, the condition can cause leaks, and damage to the home’s plumbing system, and should be addressed by a licensed plumber promptly.
Hiring a qualified plumber to correct the causes behind water hammer is essential. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber to determine the cause and provide the repair required to stop water hammer from occurring in your plumbing in Arlington.
The Damage
Water Hammer is best known for the loud banging noise it causes. The unseen component of water hammer is the erosion it causes in pipes, valves, and fittings. The weakening of these components of the plumbing system can result in leaking pipes in the home’s plumbing in Arlington, and potentially severe damage to your home and its foundation.
When banging occurs as you open a tap, it is likely due to air in the pipes. However, if the noise occurs when turning off a tap, it is probably water hammer. If water hammer occurs in your plumbing in Arlington, our plumbers have the expertise to identify the cause and provide a solution.
Modern plumbing design incorporates chambers of air, providing a cushion against water hammer, and protection for the plumbing. Over time, as pipes age the air chambers can become waterlogged, reducing their ability to neutralize the effects of water hammer. This is one of the most common causes of water hammer.
Examples of other conditions that may cause water hammer are elevated water pressure, pipe corrosion, and a loose pipe strap.
Stopping Water Hammer
A Benjamin Franklin plumber offers a number of solutions, the right one for your water hammer problem will depend upon the cause. Some solutions for include:
When elevated water pressure is the cause behind your home’s water hammer, the installation of a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) will provide a normal water pressure. High water pressure may not only cause water hammer, it can damage pipes, faucets, and water using appliances such as the icemaker. A professional plumber is required for PRV installation.
Pipe corrosion is a potential cause of water hammer, as well as frequent leaks and poor water quality. Re-piping by a licensed plumber is the only solution for worn, corroded pipes. The added benefit of repiping is reliability, and preventing serious damage from water leaks to your home and its foundation.
Long pipe runs are secured with pipe straps to prevent movement of the pipes. When a strap comes loose, the pipe can bang against adjacent structures creating a banging noise. Securing loose pipe provides the solution.
If your home’s plumbing in Arlington is experiencing water hammer, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for professional plumbing repair. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas with reliable plumbing services, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.