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Blackngold35 · May 18, 2009, 05:33 AM

Hi all. After I installed a one handle Pegasus shower faucet I started getting a pipe hammer sound when when the hot water side of the valve is activated. The sound can also be reproduced by turning on the hot side of the kitchen/bath sink and also washer hot. At first I lived with it thinking it were loose pipes or hangers which are all tight by the way. After new fload washer came and called for hot I could not bear it anymore. I have subsequently learned that if I shut down the hot supply to the shower the bang does not occur. This led me to believe that it must either have to be the balancer in the cartridge itself or it is misplumbed somehow. The cartridge was replaced and the bang is still present. When I plumbed it I went from 2 handle to single. I basically didn't change my supplies , I just went up and elbowed into the valve body. Not sure if that's right or not. Also I went higher with the regulator than recommended so I wouldn't have to bend over to turn the shower on. Any help here would be appreciated. Water pressure 65psi.

Does it have to be configured parallell like it is in the picture to work correctly, or can it just be put on the supply going vertical?

speedball1 · May 18, 2009, 06:56 AM

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

Blackngold35 · May 18, 2009, 09:04 AM

Did what you said... Seemed like it quieted down at first but it's back to banging again. As I said before if I isolate and close the shower hot angle stop the noise goes away.Up in arms here .

speedball1 · May 18, 2009, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Blackngold35

Did what you said.... Seemed like it quieted down at first but it's back to banging again. As I said b4 if I isolate and close the shower hot angle stop the noise goes away.Up in arms here .

The hot water air chamber on the lavatory angle stop should have absorbed the shock. Are you sure you drained the air chamber down all the way? Let me know, Tom

Blackngold35 · May 18, 2009, 10:49 AM

I have no chambers in any supply line for any of my shower or sink faucets.

speedball1 · May 18, 2009, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Blackngold35

I have no chambers in any supply line for any of my shower or sink faucets.

If your house was built after the 60's you do. We installed them in the wall out of sight,(see image). Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. Tom,

Blackngold35 · May 18, 2009, 11:47 AM

1964. And I'm pretty sure I have no chambers like that, especially none for the shower. Should I just put chambers on the supplies as close to the valves as possible?

speedball1 · May 18, 2009, 12:04 PM

In the 60's we were required to to put air chambers on all bath lavatories and kitchen sinks. These shock absorbers,(air chambers) serviced the entire house. We never installed them on anything else. Yes, I would put one on the hot water supply to the lavatory.
You said,

Did what you said... Seemed like it quieted down at first

If you didn't have air chambers already installed you wouldn't have noticed any differemce at all. Did you follow my directions on recharging the air chambers or simply turned off the water to the house and drained the system? Cheers, Tom

Blackngold35 · May 18, 2009, 12:25 PM

Basically just drained the system down I guess. Your assuming that this house was totally plumbed to code. Well I can do something elaborate with the shower that would require padding the closet wall out a bit or put a chamber right before or right after the hot supply on the shower after it tees off the main line.

speedball1 · May 18, 2009, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Blackngold35

Basically just drained the system down I guess. Your assuming that this house was totally plumbed to code. Well I can do something elaborate with the shower that would require padding the closet wall out a bit or put a chamber right before or right after the hot supply on the shower after it tees off the main line.

Works for me! You can make your own out of a 12" piece of hard 1/2"copper and a hard cap or purchase one all ready made.(see image) Good luck, Tom

Blackngold35 · May 20, 2009, 04:16 PM

Well got rid of the knock, but now I have vacuum pressure coming from the shower. I took the air chambers off and replaced them with elbows and shower still sucking. Only thing that's different is I added another elbow. Not sure if that's causing the pressure issue. I'll change it back tomorrow. One more day and I'll have to call a plumber. I cat take the stress anymore. Either it's an inferior valve or plumber?