There are several factors that can cause or contribute to a water hammer. One or more of these could be causing the banging in your walls.

Water hammers are at the very least annoying, depending on their proximity and loudness. In a worst-case scenario, if a leak develops and goes undetected for a period of time, it can result in serious water damage.

Water hammering is the result of a surge of pressure when a water valve is closed suddenly. Water does not compress, so when a valve is closed, the flow is stopped instantly. It’s kind of like walking into a wall.

A sudden stop in a water line can generate pressure up to three times that of the water flow pressure. That pressure can cause pipes to move, displace, or vibrate within your walls. Over time, that spike in water pressure may cause a leak or burst a pipe, causing water damage over an extended period of time or all at once. Fortunately, a water hammer can be fixed.

You deserve the facts to make an informed, educated decision regarding your new home, provided in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

How does a pressure reducing valve workpdf

Have you ever heard a banging in your walls when you or another person turns off the water at the sink or tub? The sound can be unnerving and may lead to damage to your home. A water hammer may, over time, lead to a leak or burst pipe in your home.

Hydraulicpressure reducing valveworking principle

Here’s the deal! Often, the water coming into our home is under intense pressure, which can result in a plumbing system risk like pipe leaks, floods, and even busted appliances.

Pressure-reducing valves decrease the incoming high pressure of water into a lower and safer pressure for your home. They are normally installed on the main water line next to the shut-off valve.

Function ofpressure reducing valvein hydraulic system

If you are more of a do-it-yourself homeowner, you can buy one and install it yourself. It often requires cutting out a section of your main water line and joining on the valve.

If you think that a water pressure-reducing valve could benefit your plumbing system, contact Caccia Plumbing today. Our skilled plumbers can properly size and fit a valve for your home to give an outstanding performance that preserves and protects your plumbing system.

Maintaining your home’s water pressure and having a working pressure-reducing valve will help you save money over time. Spending a few hundred dollars today can spare you thousands in the future.

Watch the flexible water supply hoses on the washing machine or the coil of copper at the back of your refrigerator when the water is shut off. The flexibility in these lines helps to absorb some of the energy, but they can still shake, move, or wiggle quite a bit when the valve is shut off.

When water is flowing at a lower pressure, it means less energy is needed to be used to heat water. Ultimately, it can also help you save money on plumbing maintenance since it reduces the issues with your plumbing system caused by the high pressure of water.

How does aWaterpressure reducing valve workanimation

So, you might be wondering, why would we want to install a pressure-reducing valve in our homes when we want more pressure?

Most of the time, people complain about their water pressure when it is not coming out on the fixture strong enough for them.

Water Pressure – High water pressure is one potential cause of a water hammer. The higher the pressure of the flow of the water, the higher the pressure when that flow is suddenly stopped at a valve.

Pressure reducing valvediagram

Pressure Relief Valves – These devices use an internal spring within the valve. Higher than normal water pressure will overcome the spring force and open the valve. Any water released can be routed to a drain.

Water Hammer Arrestors – These devices are installed in your plumbing system to absorb the shock in a water line when the flow suddenly stops due to the fast closing of a valve or faucet. Within the water hammer arrestor is basically a pocket of air or a bladder that will compress and absorb the higher water pressure when the water flow is suddenly stopped.

Water Pressure Reducing Valves have been labeled as a “life-of-mortgage” product because a malfunctioning water pressure-reducing valve is not replaced but simply cleaned or repaired by an inexpensive service kit.

Air Chamber/Bladder Tank – These are not as common. Our home inspectors come across air chambers and bladder tanks in older homes as a retrofit to older plumbing systems. They provide extra space for expansion and absorption of water pressure changes.

Pressure reducing valveworking principle pdf

There are several possible solutions to eliminate a water hammer problem. Depending on the issues you may be having with your plumbing system, one or more of the following fixes may be needed to eliminate a water hammer in your plumbing system.

Loose Plumbing – Any loose plumbing should be secured to your home’s structure to keep it from banging. Although this may not be the root cause of the banging, securing pipes will help reduce the potential for cracking or loosening of any solder joints.

At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect plumbing systems and identify any defects. Any issues are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.

High water pressure can put stress on your pipes, causing them to break or damage the plumbing fitting leading to leaks.

Ultimately, having too much water pressure will inevitably cost you money! But, you can always prevent expensive repairs and damages by controlling the stress in your home using a pressure-reducing valve (PRV).

Pilot operatedpressure reducing valveworking principle

Every plumbing-related fixture and appliance in your home was made to handle water pressure of typically between 50-80 psi. But, your municipal water line could be pumping water to your home as high as 150 psi!

Below is a photo of a washing machine outlet box with water hammer arrestors integrated into the design. Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators have valves that close quickly. Installing a water hammer arrestor in close proximity will eliminate a water hammer.

Water pressure-reducing valves save water, as less pressure it gives, it reduces wastewater treatment load and further protects the environment. It also helps in saving energy!

High water pressure decreases the lifespan of your plumbing system, from pipes and water heaters to dishwashers and showerheads.

Having normal water pressure is the code to maintain healthy plumbing in your home. If left unchecked, high water pressure will wear out just about everything that comes into contact with your plumbing system.

Loose Pipes – Having some flexibility in the water lines in your home can help with dampening a water hammer’s energy. If they are in contact with your walls or structure, you may hear banging. Modern PEX water lines do a better job at dampening than rigid copper water lines. However, too much movement in rigid copper water lines may result in cracked solder joints and leakage. Long runs of copper water line with minimal support are prone to excessive movement.

This difference means that a high level of stress is put on your plumbing system. Eventually leading to frequent repairs and costly replacement of parts. Your fixtures will last longer if your home maintains appropriate water pressure.

As the water flows through the valve, it passes through the diaphragm that is connected to a spring and reduces the pressure to the desired level as the water moves from the valve through the other side.

When HomePro Inspections performs a home inspection, our home inspectors listen for clues of a potential water hammer as we operate water valves in a home.

Appliances – Appliances that use water, such as a washing machine, dish washer, and even the water dispenser/ice maker on the refrigerator, can cause a water hammer. The water valves on these types of appliances shut off quickly.

There are different styles of water pressure-reducing valves and various installation charges throughout the country. But mostly, pressure-reducing valves start at around $50. Having a new pressure-reducing valve installed by a licensed plumber will seemingly set you back around $350-$500.

How does a pressure reducing valve workphysics

A reducing valve can also be set to any desired downstream pressure within its design limits. Once the valve is set, the reduced pressure will be maintained despite the changes in the supply pressure and system load variations.

Old Plumbing Systems – Because older water plumbing systems lack modern plumbing standards, they can be prone to water hammer. Sometimes, during a home inspection in an older home, our home inspectors will find bladder tanks and pressure relief valves in the water supply system. These devices will help to mitigate water hammering.

Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.