I recently installed a new tub and shower in our bathroom. For obvious reasons we had the water shut off. Now since we have the water back on every time you flush the toilet the pipes make a bang sound at the completion of filling the toilet tank. I understand that this is called "water hammer". However, I don't know how to make it stop. Any advice anyone has is appreciated.
2007-11-12 00:25:51 · 5 answers · asked by Greg D 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
The most obvious analogy in the fact that AIR is in the lines, is BLEEDING vehicle brake lines.
At some point you'll have to do the same to your water line to release the air. Logically that releasing has to eliminate that trapped air allowing for a free/ CAPTURED flow of water to any faucets. Probably beginning at the lowest point in the inlet lines.
2007-11-12 00:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Kill 2 birds with one stone and install a pressure tank on the cold water side of the water system ...this will save your pipes and stop the water hammer.
They are now required by code because water systems are supposed to have an antibackflow device installed between your house and the water supply. This has the result of pressure building in the system when the hot water expands with no place to go and will eventually cause a leak or at least a loss of expensive hot water thru the pressure release valve.
Its not the cause of the water hammer but will fix it a lot easier that replumbing and adding a stand tube to the system to cushon the pressure and its needed anyway.
2007-11-12 01:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by latenttraveler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water hammer is caused because water is not compressible. As water flows in a pipe, then is shut off, the flow slams to a stop and causes a bang. New construction uses an arrestor, which is a pipe that traps air in the line for expansion(hammer).
First..
Try draining the entire system..open all lines to let them drain empty. Then close every thing and charge the lines..this may allow a water-logged arrestor to work if you have one.
Second if you have an accumulator water tank in the system, it may be water-logged. Air needs to be trapped on one side of this tank also.
2007-11-12 02:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by flea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I've had the same problem. Where your shower is plumbed.....put a "T" on the cold and hot water sides. From each of these "T's"....then install vertically about a 6 inch piece of pipe..then cap it off. What it does is it leaves an air space inside the pipe...and keeps it from the hammering, something as I understand like a cushioning effect. It worked perfectly for me. I was told about this by an old plumber. Best of luck to you.
2007-11-12 00:35:49 · answer #4 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Water hammer is the bang you hear when you turn off a tap. You evedently failed to install an air reservoir in the line. Thats why there are professional plumbers, they know this kind of thing and avoid problems amatures get themselves into trying to save a buck! You deserve the quality you get doing it yourself..
2007-11-12 00:53:41 · answer #5 · answered by rico3151 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋