When you turn off your facet, do you hear a distinct bang? Do you hear the same sound when an appliance turns off its water access? If you answered yes, then your plumbing system is suffering from water hammer.

What is Water Hammer?

Also known as Hydraulic shock, water hammer occurs when a fluid abruptly changes momentum, such as changing direction or being stopped. When you turn off your facet, the pressurized water is forced to change momentum, which causes a shock wave through your pipes. The loud clang is the result of that shock wave that will wear on your pipes and can lead to damage.

How to Fix Water Hammer?

Depending on the circumstances when the issue occurs, we suggest a few alternatives to fix it.

1. Install A Water Hammer Arrestor

Certain appliances or facets can contribute to water hammer. When an appliance, such as a dishwasher, uses the water intake and then abruptly stops, it can trigger the shock wave through your pipes. If a certain appliance or facet is creating the shock wave, then it can be helpful to go right to the source. A water hammer arrestor is a small device that contains an air chamber and a moving piston. As the shock wave hits the device, the piston inside the chamber slides up to absorb the shock. Installing this device near the troublesome valve or appliance will save your pipes from enduring water hammer and could save your wallet from plumbing repairs.

2. Install A Water Pressure Regulator

Water hammer is often associated with high water pressure in your plumbing. High water pressure can be brought into your home through your municipal water line. A water pressure regulator controls the amount of pressure from the main water supply before it enters your house. This will protect your plumbing from high water pressure and subsequently, issues with water hammer. Before considering a water pressure regulator, it is important to measure the water pressure in your home to determine whether it is higher than usual. If you suspect your house has high water pressure, have one of our experts at A1Choice Plumbing assess the water pressure in your plumbing system.

---

A1 CHOICE PLUMBING & DRAIN – YOUR OKANAGAN PLUMBING EXPERTS

Still having problems with plumbing? For all your Plumbing & Drain needs, A1 Choice offers a full range of services:

• Heating & gas fitting
• Plumbing
• Sewer
• Camera Inspection & Line Locates
• Water Heaters
• Sump Pumps
• Renovations
  

For free inspection and estimates of your plumbing contact A1 Choice Plumbing & Drain today.