Noisy pipes got you down? If you hear banging, crashing, and loud pops every time you run water in your home, you may have water hammers on your hands.
Water hammers (also known as hydraulic shocks) happen when water is abruptly forced to change direction. This causes the pipe to vibrate, which creates alarming sounds.
Water hammers usually occur when using high-flow appliances. When you flush your toilet, for example, water runs through the pipes quickly. As soon as the toilet fills, the valve closes abruptly, causing water the crash against it. This creates a vibration and the pipes to bang against each other or the wall.
Is all this sounding familiar? Not to fear, our plumbers in Lompoc are here to give you three simple fixes for this pestering problem.
1. Lower Your Water Pressure
The most common culprit for water hammers (and those pricey water bills) is water pressure that is too high. To adjust your water pressure, locate your water-pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve. Most homes have a regulator mounted at the main water supply in your home. Make sure that your pressure runs between 30 and 55 psi. If you need an extra hand, give our local plumbers a ring at (805) 934-1949. We’d be happy to help you out!
2. Replenish Your Air-chambers
Air chambers are the vertical pipes that are located near faucets or valves where the water supply exits the wall. They act as insulation to keep water from slamming against the piping. If you have a water hammer on your hands, replenishing air chambers is another quick fix. Here’s how you do it:
- First, turn off your home’s main water supply valve.
- Next, open the highest faucet inside your house.
- Turn on your lowest faucet, and let it drain completely. As the water drains from your pipes, it will be replaced with air.
- After all the water has drained, turn off the lowest faucet and reopen the main valve.
3. Tighten Loose Mounting Straps
Another annoying water hammer culprit? Pipe-mounting straps. These straps are usually made of metal plumber’s tape. When they are loosened, they allow pipes to vibrate against each other and the framing on the wall. Peruse your pipes and ensure they are all properly tightened and connected.
Aside from being an annoyance, water hammers can cause serious damage to your pipes, causing them to crack and burst. Our plumbers in Lompoc would be happy to help you out with the right fix the first time. Schedule a visit online, or reach out to our local plumbers at (805) 934-1949.
