Plumbing: Water Hammer

Water Hammer - Sometimes we are asked, "why are my plumbing pipes so noisy?" The noise they are usually referring to is known as the water hammer. Water hammer noise is usually caused when a rapid flow of water is suddenly halted. It happens frequently when a faucet is turned off by hand or by an appliance, such as an automatic washing machine. The best way to stop this noise is to install air chambers in the lines, which will act as cushions for the water. Your plumbing system may already have air chambers which have filled with water, and all you have to do is drain the system to let the air back in, then refill the system with water.