How do I stop air hammers from banging

how do i stop air hammers from banging

There's no such thing asAir Hammer. The correct name 's Water Hammer. "Water hammer" happens when you abruptly shut off the water. You have at least 40 pounds of pressure pushing the water flow. The weight of the water hitting a 90 degree bend causes the sound that you hear. We put in air chambers to cushion the hammer much like the shocks on your car.
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 and thank you for rating my reply. TOM

I was thinking OP had a pneumatic jackhammer and that is what he meant. We will see if he comes back on. :) I am not all that clueless you know most times LOL. In fact my husband and I used to sell pneumatic equipment. I was on the technical sales desk for pneumatic ergonomic equipment used by automobile manufacturers in Ontario.

So you may have jumped the gun there Speedball by deleting my post. You were thinking your specialty and I was thinking mine.

Ms tickle

I was thinking OP had a pneumatic jackhammer and that is what he meant. We will see if he comes back on. :) I am not all that clueless you know most times LOL. In fact my husband and I used to sell pneumatic equipment. I was on the technical sales desk for pneumatic ergonomic equipment used by automobile manufacturers in Ontario.

So you may have jumped the gun there Speedball by deleting my post. You were thinking your specialty and I was thinking mine.

Ms tickle
Here is the answer you gave,
I don't think you can. That is the nature of the beast.
With all due respect Tick. The technical sales desk for pneumatic ergonomic equipmen may be your specialty but plumbing is mine. Water/ air hammer means only one thing to a plumber. Let's wait for the asker to respond. Regards, Tom

In addition to Tom's explanation: Water Hammer is also caused by instantly closing solenoid valves. Buy Water Hammer Arrestors and install them on supply valves at washing machine and below sinks.

Hi Speedball, thanks for replying, yes I know ! We will wait and wait and wait cause sometimes these guys done come back on again !

Tickle asks,
hey speedy, do you care to make a small wager at this time on what the OP means mmmmmmm !
Tick! When a OP contacts a plumber about a air/water hammer problem do you really believe he's asking about a pneumatic jackhammer ?
Come on! How many homeowners have a pneumatic jackhammer around the house? No bet, Tick! I duwanna take yo $! Tom

Hi, Tom, you are the man. I am sorry. OK no bet. We isn't going to hear from this guy again anyway.

Regards

The tick

Hi, Tom, you are the man. I am sorry. OK no bet. We aint gonna hear from this guy again anyway.

regards

the tick

We cool Tick!! You have yourself a great day. The Speedster