How can I get rid of water hammer? I have it in only one water pipe in the basement. Most of the time when the water gets turned on it makes a horrible hammering noise. I tried running the water for a long time to try to purge any air bubbles but it didn’t work. Anyone have any ideas for me?
Thanks
ORV
Replies
Most of the time water hammer happens when the water is turned off, not on. Does this happen when you turn the water on from multiple faucets, or just from one faucet? What's your water pressure like?
One thing I've tried in the past, not with total success, is to create an air chamber that can act as a shock absorber. I've put these near the faucet that was causing hammer when turned off. Think of a tee with the mid portion going vertical, a reducer going to something like 2 inch pipe, a section of 2 inch pipe, and a cap. The air cannot escape and can act as a shock absorber.
I'm baffled if this is hammering when turned on and from multiple sources.
John
You probably have a loose washer in the valve that is causing the "hammering" if it is happening when the water is running.
The problem definately happens when the tap is on, not shutting it off. It hasppens when there is light flow, not full flow. And it is a major hammer, I can hear it thunder through the house. It even caused some of the drain fittings to work themselves loose.
ORV
You are talking about a continous hammering noise while the water is running?
That means that you have something loose in the system and viberates and cuts the water on and off real quickly.
Most likely it is caused by a loose washer at the valve.
I second that. Pull the taps, and investigate closely. Youve got a washer loose; maybe the screw holding it in place is too long, and it has room to move.