The Scary Noises Coming From the Walls is Not a Ghost
If homeowners hear frightening noises coming from behind the walls, it indicates a common plumbing issue. The phenomenon of hydraulic shock, also called water hammer, is not only startling, but can also be damaging to a home’s pipes and even to the home’s structure.
The problem can be dealt with in several ways by a plumbing professional that can prevent not only the noises, but, more importantly, the damage that can occur. This article will discuss why hydraulic shock is a problem and what can be done to fix it.
Explaining Water Hammer and its Causes
A water hammer is the vibration caused when water is shut off very quickly, causing the water to slam against the closed valve, sending a shock wave through the pipe. This causes both vibration that can sometimes be felt and a banging sound as the pipes collide with wall supports and rattle within their brackets.
Any faucet being shut off quickly can cause water hammer, but it happens most often with appliances such as the dishwasher or washing machine that can shut off a large flow of water in a fraction of a second. If the water pressure in the home is above acceptable levels, then this can also result in an even more disruptive form of hydraulic shock. The next sections will discuss the negative aspects of this phenomenon and what professionals can do about fixing water hammer.
The Damaging Results of Water Hammer
While the first noticeable symptom of a water hammer is noisy water pipes, these noisy pipes are only the beginning of the problem. The vibration caused by water hammer can weaken and even break connections between pipes and between the pipes and the walls.
Pipes that become loose are more likely to experience problems and cause damage to walls due to the movement causing abrasions that are more easily attacked by corrosive elements. Below are some of the issues that can result from hydraulic shock:
- Loosened pipe connections
- Loosened brackets
- Pipe breakages
- Pipe leaks
- Corrosion
- Water damage
- Mold and mildew
- Fixture damage
Calling Professionals to Correct the Problem
If a homeowner notices the banging of their pipes, they should call a qualified professional to investigate. There are several ways to fix water hammer or hydraulic shock before it severely damages the lines or the fixtures. Below are a few of the measures that a plumbing technician might put in place to eradicate water hammers from a home’s pipes:
- Air Chambers: This is a length of pipe about a foot long that sticks up out of the supply line, above the water level. It contains air and acts as a cushion or buffer to reduce the vibration caused with the sudden closing of a valve.
- Water Hammer Arrestors: Like the air chambers mentioned above, water hammer arrestors use an air or gas-filled chamber that is capped by a diaphragm or piston. This is a thin, flexible membrane that can be placed within the piping system to act as a buffer for vibrations, quieting water hammer and reducing the potential for damage. The piston can move with the pressure of the rebounding water and expend the energy that would have rattled the pipes.
- Water Pressure Regulators: If an increase or fluctuation in the water pressure is the cause of the water hammer, a water pressure regulator may be the best tool for the job. This helps keep the water pressure in the supply lines consistent and within acceptable limits.
About Zing Plumbing
If homeowners and business owners in Tucson, AZ, are looking for reliable plumbers that want to build long-term relationships with their clients, then Zing Plumbing is the company to call. They offer flat rate pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and prompt arrival. Call them today for plumbing services in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding areas.
