we recently replaced our water heater and started to hear this thumping. it only happens with hot water and it is only for a few thumps until the pipes are warm. it goes thump, thump, thump for 5 or so times until the water is hot.
Does anyone know what is going on or have any ideas on how to fix this? Is this a major problem or is it common in the winter?
I appreciate any feedback/ideas on this issue.
Thanks,
Jon
2007-02-06 03:11:00 · 9 answers · asked by jonnyfats 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If there were air in the lines, they would NOT knock. Air absorbs pressure better than water. Hot water has less air than cold. If there was no problem before the water heater replacement, turn the water off before the WH, and open the drain on the WH to let some air in. If that doesn't work, the anti knock pipes, (designed to hold AIR, and typically at the highest fixture, currently, at ALL fixtures) are full of water. You need to get A LITTLE air back into the system, this absorbs the shock of the water being turned on and off. Turn off the water to the house, and open all the fixtures. (the sinks, etc.) Then close them BEFORE turning the water to the house back on. After you turn the water back on, open the faucets and let them sputter. problem solved. Does that make sense?
Depending on when the house was built, the pipes in the walls are NOT suddenly loose.
Has more to do with the fixture replacement (WH) than winter...
2007-02-06 03:35:34 · answer #1 · answered by joopster8505 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The washer in the tap is either loose or worn out. Turn the shut-off valve off under the sink, take out the valve and replace the washer...it is about 20 cents to replace. The reason why it eventually stops is because the valve heats up and expands. PS: it is not air (unless you are on a well)... air cant get into a presurized system like the water system. Another thing is that it is on your hot tap. The water comes into your house and then into your hot water tank to be heated. When it goes into your tank, the tank will act as a "burper", allowing any air bubbles to burp out. Since you are having this problem on your hot tap, only at one sink, and every time you turn it on, it must be the washer flapping.
2016-05-23 23:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air in the lines causes this. Pipes were run with one section left high in the middle like an arch. Trace the lines and see if it is visible... if not... it is in a wall, and you will have to live with it. It is a common problem.
2007-02-06 03:17:37 · answer #3 · answered by BubbaJr 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a Reminder thing, that they put in hot water heaters, to remind you not to use to much hot water & energy !!! Not Really, I don't know what causes that, just thought I would mess wiith ya, have a good day , Jon.....
2007-02-06 03:18:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you just put the water heater in it's probably still air in the lines working its way out. it should eventually stop.
2007-02-06 03:19:30 · answer #5 · answered by nemesis_318 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What you're describing is an "air hammer" effect from air that is trapped in your lines. Read more about it here http://www.doityourself.com/stry/uniquefixwaterpipes
2007-02-06 06:41:28 · answer #6 · answered by sunseekermo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
mine does that too. is it a need water heater? i guess it's just the water heating up..
2007-02-06 03:20:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
its high water pressure and non sucure water pipes
2007-02-06 04:07:01 · answer #8 · answered by landscaper07 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your pipes are loose in the walls
2007-02-06 03:17:14 · answer #9 · answered by joe b 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋