Water Hammer Warning: Can It Really Burst Your Pipes?

Water hammer is a serious plumbing issue that can cause significant damage to your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. In severe cases, water hammer can even burst pipes, leading to costly repairs and water damage.

What is Water Hammer?

Water hammer is a sudden increase in water pressure that occurs when a valve is closed quickly, such as a faucet or washing machine. This sudden change in pressure creates a shock wave that travels through the pipes, causing them to vibrate and make a loud banging noise.

How Can Water Hammer Burst Pipes?

Water hammer can burst pipes if the pressure surge is strong enough. The force of the shock wave can cause the pipes to crack or rupture, especially if they are old or weakened.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Water Hammer

Several factors can increase the risk of water hammer in your plumbing system, including:

• Long pipes: Long pipes allow the shock wave to build up more force before it reaches the closed valve.
• High water pressure: High water pressure increases the force of the shock wave.
• Loose or worn pipes: Loose or worn pipes are more likely to vibrate and burst under pressure.
• Faulty valves: Faulty valves can close too quickly, creating a more severe shock wave.

Signs of Water Hammer

There are several signs that may indicate you have a water hammer problem, including:

• Loud banging noises: Water hammer typically produces loud banging noises when a valve is closed.
• Vibrating pipes: You may feel the pipes vibrating when a valve is closed.
• Leaking pipes: Water hammer can cause pipes to leak at their joints or connections.
• Damage to fixtures and appliances: Water hammer can damage fixtures and appliances connected to the plumbing system.

How to Prevent Water Hammer

There are several steps you can take to prevent water hammer in your plumbing system:

• Install water hammer arrestors: Water hammer arrestors are devices that absorb the shock wave created by water hammer.
• Use slow-closing valves: Slow-closing valves close gradually, reducing the pressure surge.
• Insulate pipes: Insulating pipes helps to reduce the noise and vibration caused by water hammer.
• Secure loose pipes: Tighten any loose or worn pipes to prevent them from vibrating.
• Reduce water pressure: If your water pressure is high, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve.

How to Repair a Burst Pipe Caused by Water Hammer

If a pipe bursts due to water hammer, it is important to take immediate action to stop the water flow and prevent further damage.

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off.
2. Call a plumber: Contact a licensed plumber to repair the burst pipe.
3. Clean up the water damage: Clean up any water damage caused by the burst pipe.

Additional Tips to Protect Your Pipes from Water Hammer

In addition to the prevention and repair measures mentioned above, there are a few additional tips you can follow to protect your pipes from water hammer:

• Avoid sudden changes in water flow: Close valves slowly and avoid running water at high pressure.
• Use flexible hoses: Flexible hoses can absorb some of the shock wave created by water hammer.
• Install surge protectors: Surge protectors can help to protect your appliances and fixtures from damage caused by water hammer.

Conclusion: Protect Your Plumbing from Water Hammer

Water hammer is a serious plumbing issue that can cause significant damage to your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. By understanding the causes and risks of water hammer, and taking steps to prevent and repair it, you can protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the most common cause of water hammer?
Water hammer is most commonly caused by closing a valve too quickly.

2. Can water hammer damage my appliances?
Yes, water hammer can damage appliances connected to the plumbing system, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.

3. How do I know if I have water hammer?
Signs of water hammer include loud banging noises, vibrating pipes, leaking pipes, and damage to fixtures and appliances.

4. How can I prevent water hammer?
You can prevent water hammer by installing water hammer arrestors, using slow-closing valves, insulating pipes, securing loose pipes, and reducing water pressure.

5. What should I do if a pipe bursts due to water hammer?
If a pipe bursts due to water hammer, turn off the water supply, call a plumber, and clean up the water damage.