Water hammer can be a problem for some

There are those homes out there that have a problem with pipes making a banging noise after the water has been running and the taps or faucets are turned off. Usually this will be apparent right as the water is shut off and it will sound like a loud banging or hammering noise that comes from the pipes or in your walls. This is a common problem specifically called water hammer. If you are experiencing this problem a call to your local Toronto plumber can be all it takes to get it repaired; let’s look into the problem a littler deeper.

What is water hammer exactly?

It can happen with any type of fluid or gas that is traveling in a pipe and is suddenly blocked. The actual occurrence of this problem is due to the liquid traveling under high pressure and suddenly stopping; the water comes crashing into the point that was just closed as it was traveling with a significant velocity. This force creates a pressure wave within the pipeline that results in a strong noise and vibration. Under extreme conditions water hammer can even damage and destroy pipes but this is not common in households due to the lowered water pressure. If you are experiencing this problem a call to your local Toronto plumber can be all it takes to get it repaired; let’s look into the problem a little deeper.

What can cause water hammer?

There are a few causes of water hammer but most of the time it will depend on whether you have always had this problem or if it has suddenly started to occur. For instance if you have never had the problem and you are now experiencing water hammer it may be due to a blocked vent in your plumbing system. It may need to be entirely cleaned out or you may need to just allow the water to drain from the area that is experiencing the problem; either way it is best to leave this task to a qualified plumber.

A pressure valve may be all that's needed

A pressure reduction valve can help solve water hammer

If the problem is caused by excessive pressure you will need to install a pressure reducing valve. This will solve your problem as the reduction in pressure will stop the pressure wave developing. A qualified Toronto plumbing contractor can perform this work for you to help eliminate the problem of water hammer.