How To Fix Water Hammer Effect

When a moving column of fluid hits a solid boundary when a directional control valve closes suddenly for example its velocity drops to zero and the fluid column deforms within the rigid cross sectional area of the pipe to absorb the kinetic energy associated with its motion similar to a car hitting a concrete wall.

How to fix water hammer effect. Install an air chamber. Note that this fix is only temporary and if it does work it means your water hammer arrestor is broken. Switch to ball valves instead of jumper valves wherever possible. This creates an effect of air filled pipe that acts as a tampon for the next time when water changes direction suddenly. Locate the main valve of your water line and shut it off.

The chamber loses air as water come and go so it becomes less shock absorbent over time causing that unwanted hammering noise. It is a short segment of vertical pipe installed near the valves. Open the faucet at the lowest point in your home then open up faucets at high locations such as a second story bathroom. If there is a wooden beam nearby you can strap the supply lines down. When you shut off the valve the greater the pressure behind it the more water there will be to turn back on itself.

So to refill your air chambers with new air follow these steps. This is simple physics. If your pipes make a banging noise when you turn off the flow of water you have water hammer. If you have water hammer try the following to fix it. Turn off the water to your house at the main water valve.

Fixing water hammer. Next turn all faucets you could find around the house on. Either of these solutions will reduce vibrations and water hammer. By reducing the water pressure you can eliminate the issue. For loose jumper valves which cannot be replaced use spring load washers for pressure absorption.

You can identify where the water hammer is happening by listening for where the banging is loudest. Let the low faucet drain until nothing comes out. Take note of anywhere you might be able to add pipe straps or insulation to stabilize the supply lines. Call your local baltimore plumber to fix it. One of the simplest methods for fixing hydraulic shock or water hammer is installing an air chamber.