Strange sounds coming from your pipes may be unnerving or stressful for you and your family. Calling a Houston plumber as soon as possible is the best way to resolve these issues. Your plumber can identify the source of the noise and can provide you with the most reliable solutions for your specific situation. Most cases of knocking in your pipes are related to water hammer. This condition often leads to leaks and damage to your pipes. Seeking the help of a qualified Houston plumber is essential to address this problem and to protect your plumbing fixtures and pipes.
What Is Water Hammer?
In the plumbing industry, water hammer refers to a condition in which too much pressure has built up or is currently present inside your pipes. This may be caused by a Houston plumbing stoppage or pipes that are too small for the volume of water going through it. These issues may result in loud noises and banging of your pipes, which will often lead to damage to these plumbing fixtures over time.
Resolving Water Hammer
The solution for water hammer issues will vary depending on the age of your home and the configuration of your pipes. Older homes were typically built to different standards and will require different methods to resolve water hammer problems quickly and effectively.
- Homes built in the 1960s or before were often constructed with air chambers that were designed to prevent water hammer problems. Air chambers are pipes that are installed vertically and capped at the top. When too much water goes into your pipes at one time, the air inside this pipe compresses to relieve some of the pressure and to prevent banging and potential damage to your pipes. Over time, however, these air chamber pipes may become filled with water. Working with a Houston plumber is the best way to address these issues quickly and efficiently.
- If your home was built after the 1960s but before 2000, you may have no protection at all against water hammer issues. Homes built after 2000 typically include water hammer arrestors that incorporate shock absorbers to prevent this issue. Your Houston plumbing company is your best source of information and repair options for upgrading your plumbing configuration to eliminate problems with banging or loud noises coming from your pipes.
If you need a reliable and knowledgeable Houston plumber, Santhoff Plumbing Company can provide the right solutions for your needs. We offer Houston water heater repair, pipe replacement and other services designed to help you maintain your home effectively. Call us today at 713-665-4997 to schedule a consultation or to make an appointment for repairs. We are here to serve you.