What Is a Water Hammer?

Flowing water, like any other moving fluid, has momentum. Shock waves travel across the system when there is an abrupt shift in flow.

"Water hammer" is the term used to describe this event.

Flow variations can occur due to valve action, pump starting and stopping, or directional changes produced by pipe fittings. Other possible reasons include the quick depletion of all air from the system or water recombination following water column separation. Today, we'll go into further detail on this occurrence.

 What Exactly Is a Water Hammer?  

Water hammer is a phenomenon characterized by a loud slamming or knocking sound heard on the pipes immediately after the valves are turned off. The water hammer effect, also known as hydraulic surge or a hydraulic shock, occurs when flowing fluids are forced to reverse directions or abruptly halt.

A water hammer may seem frightening, but it is not a plumbing catastrophe. It might, however, be a sign of the present state of your pipes. In all likelihood, you've heard the sound before, but you're not sure what it was.

 What Causes Water Hammer? 

Water hammer is more than a loud and irritating vibration, especially if left untreated. According to Denver plumbers, this odd state is frequently caused by the following:

 1. Shock Waves  

Because water cannot be compressed, any sudden stoppage or change in flow inside the pipe creates a rapid buildup of high internal pressure called a shock wave. As a result, a hammer-like sound is produced.

Because many modern plumbing systems include built-in air chambers, you should not hear or feel the water hammer effect. These enable shock waves to go to their destination without producing any noise. Thus, if you hear a water hammer, it means that something is clogging your pipes' air valves.

 2. Pipe Installation 

Pipes that are carelessly installed can easily shift, especially if the flow of water is abruptly stopped or the pressure rate is adjusted. This can cause loud pounding sounds. But if this is a recent activity, the air chambers in your pipes may have been saturated. In this scenario, a plumbing repair is required, but if the hammering sound persists, a water hammer arrestor might be fitted.

 3. Strong Water Pressure 

High water pressure in your home is another source of water hammer. The latter can occur when a tap faucet is shut off rapidly. However, some fast-running valves can also cause flowing water to cease abruptly. In any case, this will send a shock wave through the water, causing pipes to vibrate and producing a loud water hammer sound 

 4. Limescale Deposition 

The water hammer effect might also be caused by limescale accumulation, which is commonly caused by hard water. Hard water has high magnesium, iron, and calcium levels, and since it leads to the collection of limescale, it indirectly hinders the pipe air chambers from draining effectively. The longer this situation persists, the more likely you may get water hammer. This problem may be avoided by installing a household water softening system.

 5. Water-Reliant Appliances 

Some common household appliances, particularly those that rely on water to function, are thought to be causes of water hammer. The dishwasher, water heater, washing machine, and ice maker are all fitted with solenoid valves. When they are abruptly turned off, the flow of water comes to a standstill, producing a shock wave through your plumbing system and causing water hammer.

 Water Hammer Effects 

Although water hammer may appear to be just bothersome, abrupt and frequent interruptions in water flow can result in a pressure spike that is at least ten times more than what a plumbing system is ordinarily capable of handling. In the long term, this can cause significant damage to the whole pipe network.

In summary, ignoring the water hammer effect can have disastrous consequences. The following are some of its long-term consequences:

 1. Leaks 

Water hammering on a regular basis will ultimately damage your pipes and cause them to leak. This will begin softly and gradually build in severity. Small leaks will likely go undiscovered for a long time until they become large enough to cause major harm.

 2. Pump System Failure  

Water hammer might cause problems with your home's pump system. Water valves, fittings, gaskets, and expansion joints can all fail as a result of repeated and loud pounding sounds. It can eventually degrade pipe walls and the integrity of welded connections.

 3. Accidents 

More puddles will accumulate in various sections of the home as leaks intensify, exposing family members to mishaps such as slips and falls. If the leaks begin to gather near electrical outlets, the risk of electrocution increases.

 How To Avoid a Water Hammer 

Several circumstances may cause water hammer, but installing a suitable water valve is thought to be an effective way to prevent it. Meanwhile, existing valves can be equipped with an internal spring to ensure that the mechanism closes automatically before any water flow reversal or modification is achieved. This should lessen or perhaps eliminate the possibility of water hammer.

Another option is to utilize a water hammer prevention device, such as an air chamber. This is often a tiny segment of pipe shaped like a tee fitting with an empty/air-filled chamber. When the flow of water abruptly reverses direction, the latter functions as a shock absorber and cushion. The action mitigates the stress that would otherwise be sent straight to the pipeline 

 The Bottom Line 

Although water hammer is not a typical plumbing issue, it should not be dismissed. On the contrary, hearing water hammer noises at home should act as a warning indication that something is amiss with your plumbing. The idea is to locate the sound, determine what caused it, and get it repaired by experienced plumbers.