[kpag]

I have a shower faucet where you have to pull up a plunger to get the water up to the shower head. When I first turn on the hot water, the pipes bang like they will break. After I pull the plunger for the shower head, it stops. This is the only fancet in the house that does this. Even if I turn on the cold with the hot. Maybe, it doesn't happen if I turn the H and C on full blast.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Kpag

It is hard for us to distinguish between "water hammer" and "washer chatter" online, but most likely the hot water washer at the shower valve has become loose or torn and needs to be replaced... called washer chatter. If replacing the hot washer doesn't resolve the issue you could have a water hammer issue, but try changing the washer first and let us know what happens, OK?

Mark

[kpag]

I can tell you that the pipes are clanging way into the basement. The pipes sound like they are even shaking. I will check the washer, but I have changed out washers on other faucets before, and never had a chatter/hammer with thoses, just drips.

[massplumber2008]

A worn washer (causes dripping) is entirely different than a loose or torn washer. Check the washer... super quick and easy if you are experienced!