Water hammer is a specific plumbing noise (generally described as ‘banging’, ‘clanging’ or ‘vibrating’), rather than a generic name for pipe clatter. Water hammer is created by a pressure surge or shock wave caused when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly.
The side effects of water hammer go farther than producing an unpleasant noise – if left untreated, it can be downright destructive. Its excessive force can break a poorly soldered joint or fitting. Over time, recurring water hammer can loosen the mounting brackets which attach the pipes to the studs and joists, increasing the risk of leakage in joints or fittings.
What Causes Water Hammer
The most common causes of water hammer include; poor pipe installation, ‘flick mixer’ taps, faulty tap washers, solenoid valves on appliances (i.e. dishwashers or washing machines), and high water pressure.
How We Fix Water Hammer
When you contact Jason’s Plumbing’s commercial and industrial plumbers, we will check for faulty valves connecting your dishwasher or washing machine. Valves most commonly damaged include pressure-limiting valves on dishwashers and valves on hot water systems.
Once faulty valves have been replaced, Brisbane’s leading professional plumbers will check for and replace any faulty washers. Lastly, our skilled technicians will perform a complete commercial plumbing maintenance service by checking the water pressure and (if necessary) installing a 500kPa pressure-limiting valve. In some cases we may need to install a water hammer suppression device to minimise the risk of future damage.
If water hammer is detected, it’s vital that you stop it before irreversible damage is caused.
Be sure to contact the expert team at Jason’s Plumbing at the first signs of water hammer. We offer comprehensive commercial and industrial plumbing services and you can rest assured that our experienced technicians will identify and repair the underlying cause of the problem.