[THOMAS 945]

On the 26th feb this year I was asked to sort out some water hammer noise: thought the stop cock - packing gone etc. Cause of hammer.

Replaced stop cock and all seemed to be fine, then yesterday report of water hammer again, and the same problem of turning taps on upstairs and finding kitchen tap running. Though reall heavy water hammering not so bad. Tried flushing WC, then turning of basin/bath cold and hey presto: water hammer and kitchen tap running.

When I turn off all the cold taps I note that there is a slight thud even when hammer is not happerning. So something is not right.

Any ideas?

Tom

[speedball1]

Hey Tom,
"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 shock absorbers,(air chambers) to cushion the hammer much like the shocks on your car.
Back in the 60's we were required to to put shock absorbers,(air chambers) on all bath lavatorys 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 begain 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