Tech & Innovation

How Do You Stop Water Pipes from Making Noise?

How Do You Stop Water Pipes from Making Noise

When you’re at home doing the kitchen, using the dishwasher or washing machine or any other machine you will often hear a disturbing noise coming from your pipes. As your pipes are not perfect, this noise is because of water hammer or hydraulic shock.

Water hammer is a very common problem, mainly caused due to sudden stoppage of water. The pressure is created due to this, causing the waves in the pipes to make hammer sound. It will make a loud band and it may also cause some serious damage to the pipe. So, is there any solution?

Yes, there is a solution to this problem i.e. water hammer arrestor. When the water flow stops suddenly, this water hammer arrestor is used to absorb the shocks created. It helps to protect the pipe and also stop the odd noises.

The Primary Reason that Causes Banging in the Pipes

There are a few reasons why you can hear the noises and it can be really disturbing sometimes. You might even get annoyed due to this noise. Water hammer can be one of the reasons for your disturbance. Sometimes, you will often see that the valves are closed due to clogging or rust, and the water is stuck within. When with a lot of energy and momentum the water flows down to the exit point, you will hear the banging noise. This occurs due to the pressure it creates as it hits the closed valves. You can fix the problem all by yourself, or seek help from handyman services. Let’s find a solution!

4 Ways to Stop Water Pipes from Making Noise (Water Hammering):

1. Fix Loose Pipes

You need to secure your pipes properly to avoid even a mild shock wave, as it can create a loud banging noise. Though it does not create any big damage, still you can tighten any loose pipes to secure it. You can also install foam pipes to avoid banging noise as it serves as a shock absorber. In places where pipes are visible enough and accessible, like in the basement area, it is trouble-free to install a water hammer. This solution will solve your problem if it is a mild shock. However, to prevent potential damage this is not enough.

2. Air Chamber

Another method or way is that near the valves you can install vertically short segment pipes like an air chamber. Installing an air chamber will create a section of empty, air-filled pipes that will help the water to change its direction. The air chamber is usually placed in the plumbing system by the plumber, using pipes and fittings. It is a short horizontal pipe connected with the main pipes, and as the end pipe is located outside it traps a pocket of air. It absorbs the shock and compresses the air due to water pressure, or else it would strike the valves and make a banging noise. You are advised to install the air chamber at critical spots.

3. Water Hammer Arrestor

You can also install a water hammer arrestor to avoid a water hammer. They are very good at absorbing shock. It contains a spring and air bladder which are used to absorb water movement to minimize the effect of the water hammer. You don’t need to always check it, like in an air chamber, but at some points when the blades are worn out you need to change it. You can easily install it like they can be easily fit in washing machine valves.

4. Water Pressure Regulator

When with a huge pressure the water enters into the main pipe, it creates a water hammer. Pressure above 100 psi can cause serious damage to pipelines. Hence, installing a water pressure regulator can be the solution to the problem. Thus, it is advised to place the water pressure regulator, where the main water supplies. After installing the water pressure regulator, adjust the regulator below 50 psi.

How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor?

Many times you will hear a banging noise or odd sounds coming from your pipes, washing machine or from toilet flush. And, this is caused due to the water hammer. Basically, the water hammer is caused due to a sudden stoppage in the direction of water flow.

In extreme cases, a water hammer can cause the failure of pipes. To solve this problem you need to just install a water hammer arrestor. It is a simple device installed in the waterline of a particular appliance. Now, due to sudden stoppage in the water flow, it creates a shock wave and a water hammer arrestor is used to absorb that shock wave.

Required Tools

The tools that are required to stop the banging waterline sounds are given below

  • Water hammer arrestor
  • Pipe wrench
  • Pliers
  • Seal tape

Instructions You Need to Follow to Install Water Hammer Arrestor

To solve the problem you need to follow the instructions given below and install a water hammer arrestor. The steps are given below:

1. Recognize the Cause

First, you have to recognize carefully which appliance needs to be fixed and if it is causing the banging sound. Like in the washing machine, refrigerator, dish-washing, etc., you will face this problem. In all these machines due to huge force and momentum the valves suddenly shut off. And, this reduces the water flow and causes odd noises.

2. Direct the Action Plan

If you think your washing machine is the main reason for the noises, then install the water hammer arrestor on both hot and cold water supply lines. The simplest way is just by screwing on the device that fits the device, where the washing machine lines are connected. There are different types of devices to fix other appliances.

3. Turn Off the Water

First, you need to shut off the water supply from the area where it is experiencing water hammers. You will see that the valves are already closed. It is better to shut off the entire water supply. In the washing machine, there are two valves, one is for hot water and the other is for cold. If the main culprit is the washing machine, then both the valves will be shut. Whereas in the dishwasher there is only one shut-off valve which is for hot water.

4. Disconnect the Pipes

You have to turn off the water from the machine, which you think is the main culprit. Then, you need to disconnect the pipes from the valves. Do not lose the washer present at the end of the valve, if it is the washing machine.

5. Cover with Plumber’s Tape

You need to cover the main end of the shut-off valve with the plumber’s tape. Make sure you have wrapped it tightly. You have to wrap the thread on the water hammer arrester with tape.

6. Connect the Water Hammer Arrestor

Fix the water hammer arrestor on every water supply and make it tight. You can use pliers to tighten the arrestor, but remember don’t overdo it. In a washing machine, for example, the water hammer arrester is connected to the end of the valve to protect the washer pipes. The problem is that it will sift the machine away from the wall. Now, if the space is too short, then fixing it at the end will be the only option.

7. Connect the Washer Pipes

Now, you have to connect the washer pipes with the water hammer arrestor. Make sure that you match up with the hot water pipe to the hot water supply. See that each connection is tightened properly.

8. Activate Water Supply

Now, this is the final stage where you have to activate the water to see the leakage. Water hammer arrestors will work in any position, so place them where you think it best-suited.

See Also:

Conclusion

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global water and wastewater treatment market size was $265.30 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $456.68 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.

Every detail regarding the banging water lines and how to stop these sounds is given in the above section. How to install water hammer arrestors are also mentioned above. It will be very helpful for you. So, simply follow the instructions given above to get rid of these noises. And, if you want to go through more, then you can seek reliable handyman services.

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