Why Do My Pipes Bang? Understanding Water Hammer
Table of Contents
The Shockwave in Your Walls
That loud banging or shuddering sound you hear when a faucet is suddenly turned off is called a "water hammer" (hydraulic shock). It's not just annoying; it can severely damage your pipes.
The Physics of the Bang
Water is heavy and moves fast. When a valve closes quickly (like in a washing machine or dishwasher), the rushing water slams into the closed valve, sending a massive shockwave back through the pipes, causing them to violently shake against the wall studs.
The Solution: Water Hammer Arrestors
We fix this by installing water hammer arrestors—small, vertical pipes containing a pocket of air and a shock-absorbing piston. When the water stops suddenly, the air compresses, absorbing the shockwave silently.
High Water Pressure
Water hammer is severely exacerbated by high water pressure. If your home's pressure is above 80 PSI, installing a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) will often solve the banging while protecting your fixtures.
Written by Reliance Plumbing Solutions
The local experts at Reliance Plumbing Solutions have been serving the Treasure Coast for over 20 years. We share our knowledge to help homeowners protect their property and save money.
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