Is Water Hammer Turning a Cozy Home into a Haunted House?

What To Do About the Scary Banging Sound Coming From the Walls

Most everyone likes a good scare during the Halloween season. A little fun fright to get the blood pumping is a good trick — as long as a delicious treat follows it. But what if that frightening banging sound from behind the walls has become more concerning? Most often, this is caused by a plumbing problem known as water hammer. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to diagnose and even easier to fix with the help of a plumbing professional. Read on to learn what to do about water hammer!

What Causes Water Hammer?

Water hammer is a term for noise caused by water in a plumbing system. Water flows in the pipes, which lead to valves that allow those in the home to access the water. Valves include those at the toilet, shower, sinks, outdoor spigots, or water fixtures in the laundry room. Any of these can cause water hammer when the valve is closed. If the water suddenly has no place to go, it can cause banging sounds in the wall by slamming against the side of the pipe, even causing the pipe to move. 

Water Hammer Side Effects

Besides being an annoyance, water hammer can lead to some serious side effects. It can cause wear-and-tear to valves, joints, and fixtures. And since most of the damage happens to plumbing components that are out of sight, it can be hard to tell when or if the components need repair. Unfortunately, if water hammer is allowed to persist, it can cause leaks and associated damage, which can be expensive to fix. 

Water hammer can also indicate other problems with the system, such as overly high water pressure or loose pipes. It’s important to determine what’s causing water hammer, as many variables could contribute to the noisy pipes. Luckily, a professional plumber can help. 

How a Professional Can Fix Water Hammer

With the help of a qualified professional, homeowners can easily fix banging pipes. Most homes actually have air chambers in the walls to help prevent water hammer. However, if the air chambers get water in them, they won’t be able to provide the “cushion” to stop the noise any longer. A plumber can not only identify if the home has air chambers; they can also drain the water from them so they work again. 

If the home doesn’t have air chambers, a professional plumber can install water hammer arrestors to eliminate the issue. But sometimes, the problem isn’t with the pipes at all. Rather, it’s with the pressure in the system. Overly high water pressure can cause water hammer. Likewise, loose pipes can cause banging, even if the pressure isn’t high. Another option is to add cushioning around pipes to protect them and prevent the banging noise that is water hammer. No matter the cause, a qualified professional can provide the right tools and expertise for fixing water hammer. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been proudly serving Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. They provide peace of mind, never considering the job done until the customer is completely satisfied. They also offer tailored options and never charge after-hours fees for emergency service. For help fixing water hammer in Colorado Springs, CO, contact B&L Plumbing and Heating today. 

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