“Water hammer?! What in the world is that?” If that’s the question running through your mind, you’re not alone! It’s that annoying, sometimes startling banging or clunking noise you might hear in your pipes, especially after you quickly shut off a faucet or the washing machine stops its cycle.
What Causes It?
Simply put, water hammer occurs when the water flow in your pipes suddenly stops or changes direction. This causes a pressure surge that travels through your plumbing system like a shockwave. Imagine a car slamming on its brakes – the passengers jolt forward, right? That’s similar to what happens to the water in your pipes, except instead of passengers, the water slams into the closed valve or pipe fitting, creating that loud banging noise.
The Culprits:
High Water Pressure is often the main offender. If your water pressure is too high, the water flows through your pipes with more force, making the impact when it suddenly stops even stronger.
Loose Pipes: Pipes that aren’t properly secured can vibrate and bang against the wall or framing when water flow changes abruptly.
Faulty Valves: A worn-out or malfunctioning valve, like the one in your washing machine or dishwasher, may not close smoothly, contributing to water hammer.
So, What’s the Big Deal?
Aside from the irritating noise, water hammer can lead to some serious issues:
- Leaky Faucets and Pipes: The constant stress on your pipes and fixtures can weaken joints and cause leaks.
- Damaged Appliances: Water hammer can damage your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances.
- Burst Pipes: In severe cases, the pressure surges can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage.
The Bluefrog Solution
At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Central Connecticut, we diagnose and fix water hammer issues. Here’s what we can do:
- Check Your Water Pressure: We’ll test your water pressure and install a pressure-reducing valve if needed.
- Secure Loose Pipes: We’ll ensure all your pipes are properly fastened and supported to minimize vibrations.
- Replace Faulty Valves: If any valves contribute to the problem, we’ll replace them with new, high-quality ones.
- Install Water Hammer Arrestors: These small devices act like shock absorbers for your plumbing system, cushioning the pressure surges and preventing that annoying banging.
Don’t let water hammer wreak havoc on your plumbing and peace of mind.
Call us today, and we’ll have your pipes flowing smoothly and quietly in no time. Remember, at bluefrog, we’re not just fixing problems; we’re providing solutions for a worry-free home.
