Why Are My Water Pipes Knocking?

If you've been hearing a knocking sound every time you turn on your faucet, you're not alone. In most cases, this is caused by variable water pressure in the main supply pipes coming into your home.

This is also known as water hammer or water hammering. The term "water hammer" refers to the noise that is produced when running water hits a closed valve - that is supposed to be an open valve. When the water hits that closure, and essentially has nowhere to go it creates a loud thud.

That pressure is important because it keeps the water moving freely between pipes and into your faucets.

If that pressure changes - for example, if a water main breaks or if the pump at your water treatment plant fails - it can cause the water to flow more slowly in some parts of the system than others. This can create turbulence and vibration, which you hear as knocking noises.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances of knocking pipes.

• One is to install a water pressure regulator, which limits the water pressure coming into your home.
• You can also try opening a faucet at the highest point in your house - usually upstairs - to help relieve some of the pressure.

If you're still having problems, you may want to consider having a plumber come out and take a look at your water system.

Is It Bad If Your Pipes Are Knocking?

No, it's not bad per se, but it can be a sign that something is wrong with your water system.

If you're hearing knocking pipes, it means there's something wrong with the water pressure in your home. And while it's not necessarily a major issue, it could be an indication that you need to have your water pressure checked out.

So if you're hearing knocking pipes, don't panic - but do take some action and see if you can get the water pressure in your home under control.

Can Water Hammer Fix Itself?

Water hammer can sometimes fix itself over time. If the water pressure in your main supply pipes is too high, it can cause water hammer. Over time, the water pressure will drop as the water moves through the pipes, which will eventually stop the knocking.

But if the water pressure is too high for too long, it can damage your pipes. So if water hammer is happening in your home, it's important to get it fixed right away. Otherwise, you could end up with a big repair bill!

How Do I Stop Water Pipes From Hammering?

Water hammer can be a really annoying problem. But don't worry, there are a few things you can do to stop it.

The first thing you should do is check your water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it can cause water hammer which is causing that knocking noise. You can try turning down the water pressure in your home by adjusting the valve on your water main.

If that doesn't fix the problem, you can try installing a water hammer arrestor. This is a special device that helps to absorb the shock of the water moving through the pipes.

Finally, if both of those things don't work, you may need to have your pipes replaced. This can be a big job, but it's often necessary to fix water hammer.

Hopefully one of these solutions will work for you and you can finally get rid of that pesky knocking!

Conclusion

No one likes constant knocking in their plumbing, but it's usually not as bad than you think. Once you or a plumber has analyzed the problem and pinpointed the solution - then the cure to fix the problem is not too far away.

If you have any questions about your water pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 404-880-0303. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.