call us : 1300 462 284 24/7 SUPPORT

Water Hammer

Water Hammer is a condition that occurs in buildings with copper water supply pipes a banging sound when a tap is turned off of a loud squealing sound with a tap on or when a washing machine is working or filling. Water hammer can be reduced or eliminated completely by one or more methods High pressure can be a one cause, loose pipes another or faulty plumbing components another.

So how do we eliminate water hammer?

There are several methods which can be used:

1) Securing pipes

Copper water pipes should be secures at intervals of no less than 1.2 meters, by doing this water hammer can be reduced.
Servicing of taps. By having damaged or worn washers or old taps this can also be a source of water hammer. Replacing or servicing old tap including the meter tap, will rectify or at least reduce water hammer problems.

2) Toilet Cisterns

Servicing or replacing faulty toilet cisterns will eliminate or reduce certain types of water hammer.

3) Hot water heaters

Hot water heaters and associated valves can also cause water hammer. Servicing of the heater and replacement of the faulty valves or incorrectly rated valves will rectify or reduce water hammer.

4) Hammer arrestors

When placed near the source of the hammer say near a washing machine supply pipe or washing machine tap. This will help reduce water hammer.

5) Regulating water pressure

Fixed and variable pressure limiting and reduction valves. Valves can be fitted where the water supply enters the property to reduce the water pressure. By reducing the pressure the flow rate remains about the same only the pressure is different there will sometimes be a very slight reduction in flow. This reduction in pressure will have a marked effect on the water hammer completely eliminating or at least reducing it.
Fitting plastic water pipes. When plastic pipes are fitted to the property the most common clanging banging type water hammer is not present.

1300 462 284