[BIGSTEVE]

I have banging water pipes in bathroom upstairs in happens when you flush toilet after in fills or when the washing machine in the basement in filling

[speedball1]

i have banging water pipes in bathroom upstairs in happens when you flush toilet after in fills or when the washing machine in the basement in filling

Water hammer is usually recognized by a banging or thumping in water lines. The noise occurs when the flow of moving water is instantaneously stopped by a closing valve. This sudden stop results in a pressure spike behind the valve which acts like a tiny explosion inside the pipe. This pressure spike will reverberate throughout the plumbing system, rattling and shaking pipes, until it is absorbed. Back in the 60's we were required to to put air chambers on all bath lavatories and kitchen sinks. Over time water and condensate built up in them and they must be recharged. First turn off the house at the main house shut off valve. Then open hot and cold faucets at the farthest bathroom to prevent air lock.(This is important.) You will find under each fixture little brass or chrome valves. These are called angle stops. With a small pail held under the angle stop to catch the run off look under the handle of the stop and you will see a nut with the stem running through it. This is called the bonnet packing nut. Put your wrench on it and back it off counterclockwise. Now open the stop and remove the stem and washer assembly, The stop will began to drain. When it has quit draining reassemble the stop and move on to the next one. Do this on each one of your angle stops. There will be six of them in a two bath home. When you are done, close off the faucets you have opened, turn on the water to the house, and give yourself a pat on the back.
You have just recharged your air chambers and saved yourself a hefty service call bill. Hope this helps you out TOM

[ballengerb1]

Hey Steve, I guessing the bang actually happens at the very end of the fill process when it suddenly stops. That sounds like water hammer. Before adding any air hammer arrestors lets try something simple. Close you main and open all faucets and fixtures. Flush all toilets and also get a bucket and a few wrenches so you can open the stop valve below each toilet. Unscrew the small nut above each valve and temprarily remove the fill line which leads to the tank. Make sure you have opened everything including the outside soigot. Close it all uo, reconnect the toilets and turn the water back on, any better?

[ballengerb1]

Well I see Tom is typing faster than me again and he used more words too. Darn!