[mnassery]

Many pipes from the faucets, showers, toilets and the washing machine bang when they are turned on... can installing one water hammer arrester fix the problem, and if so where would you install it?
Thanks

[Milo Dolezal]

It appears that the problem is localized in one device and than transfers through your plumbing system throughout the house. Was there ANY plumbing work done in your house recently ?

Before I offer my advice, your water pressure should not exceed 55 psi on the house side. If it does, adjust it.

The cause may be loose part inside a valve or pressure regulator. First, go to EVERY angle stop in the house and Close it and Opened it back. If the noise persist than I would Open and Close main water valve at the Water Heater and in front of your house. Thirdly, I would adjust pressure regulator a tiny bit ( either reduce pressure a bit or increase pressure - just enough to change position / tension of interior mechanism). Next, I would make sure my back flow nipple on the water heater is not stuck and as result, generating vibration.

If all that fails than I would look at my faucet stems in my showers faucets. Loose stem or pressure balancing mechanism inside your shower faucet will cause vibration (noise). Open water, wait for the noise to appear - then go from faucet to faucet and see if you can pin-point which one is making the noise. Put your hand on the handle and you should be able to feel the vibration. The faucet with the loose stem part should generate the most audible noise and the most distinct vibration.

Lastly, see if your pipe are tied down to the joists and rafters.

If all that fails, install Water Hammer Arrestor. However, keep in mind that Hammer Arrestors are not "magic' devices. Let's say, if your pipes in the attic are not tied down, Hammer Arrestror will most likely by useless. Pipes will still have to be tied down regardless.

Moreover, Hammer Arrestors have to be installed as close to the fixture generating noise as possible - preferably on both Hot and Cold side. So it is probably better - and more economical - to make sure pressure is under 55 psi , to locate the malfunctioning faucet or valve, and replace its loose parts with healthy ones.

Hope that helps...

Back to you. Milo

[speedball1]

Purchase a hose bib pressure gage and let us know the house PSI. Let us know, Tom

[ballengerb1]

I am thinking high pressure too like Tom. Water hammer happens when a valve is shut OFF not ON.

[mnassery]

Hello,


We did have plumbing work done recently (installed a kitchen sink in the basement).
I tried closing the supply for the water heater and in front of the house, noise is still there. I also tried closing and opening all the angle stops in the house, still noisy.

I was wondering if I installed the water hammer arrester in the sink that was installed in the basement, will that fix all the pipe banging on the wall, even from other sinks or faucets that bang.

Thanks