Do you wonder how to fix water hammer in pipes in Australia? Water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, is a common plumbing issue that can cause significant noise and potential damage to your pipes. This phenomenon occurs when a sudden change in water flow creates a pressure surge, leading to loud banging noises and vibrations within the plumbing system.

If left unaddressed, water hammer can result in burst pipes, loose fittings, and damaged appliances. In this article, we will explore eight easy ways to stop water hammer and fix noisy pipes in Australia, ensuring a quieter and more efficient plumbing system.

8 Ways to Stop Water Hammer and Fix Noisy Pipes

Water hammer is caused by excessive water pressure or air pockets in your pipes, and it can be a nuisance. One of the most effective water hammer solutions is installing water hammer arresters. These devices can stop water hammer in 8 simple steps by absorbing the shock waves coming from your pipes.

Another water hammer fix is to reduce the pressure in your pipes by adjusting the pressure regulator at the water meter. If you hear water hammer sounds, it might be an indication of air in the pipes; in such cases, try bleeding the air out.

The following are the 8 ways to stop water hammer and fix noisy pipes:

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply and Drain the Pipes

One of the simplest methods to address water hammer is to turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes. This process helps to remove any trapped air pockets that may be contributing to the noise. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply to your home.
2. Open all the taps in your house, starting from the highest point (e.g., an upstairs bathroom) and working your way down to the lowest point (e.g., a basement sink).
3. Allow the water to drain completely from the pipes.
4. Once the water has drained, close all the taps and turn the main water supply back on.

This method can help to reset the plumbing system and eliminate any air pockets that may be causing water hammer.

2. Check and Replace Worn Out Washers

Worn out washers in taps and valves can often cause whistling or squeaky noises in water pipes. Over time, these washers can become damaged or dislodged, leading to water hammer. To address this issue, inspect the washers in your taps and valves and replace any that appear worn or damaged. This simple maintenance task can help to reduce noise and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

3. Install Water Hammer Arrestors

Water hammer arrestors are devices designed to absorb the shockwave created by sudden changes in water flow, preventing the noise and vibrations associated with water hammer. These arrestors are typically installed on the outlet of water-using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, as well as on hot and cold water supply lines. To install a water hammer arrestor, follow these steps:

1. Identify the location where the arrestor will be installed.
2. Turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes.
3. Cut the pipe at the installation point using a pipe cutter.
4. Install the arrestor according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a secure fit.
5. Turn the main water supply back on and check for any leaks.

Water hammer arrestors are an effective solution for preventing hydraulic shock and protecting your plumbing system from damage.

4. Secure Loose Pipes

Loose pipes can exacerbate the noise and vibrations caused by water hammer. To address this issue, inspect your plumbing system for any loose or improperly secured pipes. Use pipe clamps or brackets to secure the pipes to the walls or floor joists, ensuring they are held firmly in place. This can help to reduce noise and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

5. Install a Pressure Reducing Valve

High water pressure is a common cause of water hammer. Installing a pressure reducing valve can help to regulate the water pressure in your plumbing system, reducing the likelihood of hydraulic shock. To install a pressure reducing valve, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes.
2. Identify the location where the valve will be installed, typically near the main water supply line.
3. Cut the pipe at the installation point using a pipe cutter.
4. Install the pressure reducing valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a secure fit.
5. Turn the main water supply back on and check for any leaks.

By regulating the water pressure, a pressure reducing valve can help to prevent water hammer and protect your plumbing system from damage.

6. Install Air Chambers

Air chambers are short vertical pipes installed behind valves that act as shock absorbers, reducing the impact of hydraulic shock. These chambers contain air, which compresses when water flow is abruptly stopped, absorbing the shockwave and preventing noise and vibrations. To install air chambers, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes.
2. Identify the location where the air chamber will be installed, typically near a valve.
3. Cut the pipe at the installation point using a pipe cutter.
4. Install the air chamber according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a secure fit.
5. Turn the main water supply back on and check for any leaks.

Air chambers are an effective solution for preventing water hammer and protecting your plumbing system from damage.

7. Use Soft-Close Taps

Soft-close taps are designed to close gradually, reducing the likelihood of water hammer by preventing sudden changes in water flow. These taps are equipped with a mechanism that slows down the closing process, allowing the water pressure to decrease gradually. Installing soft-close taps in your home can help to reduce noise and prevent damage to your plumbing system. To install a soft-close tap, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes.
2. Remove the existing tap by loosening the mounting nuts and disconnecting the water supply lines.
3. Install the soft-close tap according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a secure fit.
4. Reconnect the water supply lines and turn the main water supply back on.
5. Check for any leaks and ensure the tap operates smoothly.

Soft-close taps are a convenient and effective solution for preventing water hammer and maintaining a quiet plumbing system.

8. Call a Professional Plumber

If you have tried the above methods and are still experiencing water hammer, it may be time to call a professional plumber like Plus Plumbing. A qualified plumber can diagnose the issue, identify the root cause, and recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.

They can also perform more complex tasks, such as installing pressure regulators, water hammer arrestors, and other devices, ensuring your plumbing system is properly maintained and protected from damage.

Conclusion

Water hammer is a common plumbing issue that can cause significant noise and potential damage to your pipes. By understanding the causes of water hammer and implementing the eight easy solutions outlined in this article, you can effectively stop water hammer and fix noisy pipes in your home.

If you can’t fix the water hammer on your own, you can contact Plus Plumbing experts. They are are professionals in every aspect of plumbing.