Water Hammer
Water is very hard to compress which is the fundamental cause of water hammer. This is because it causes pipes to bang and shudder in walls and under houses when taps are turned off. Washing machines and dishwashers can also cause it. At Mr. Nice, we have several thorough and methodical ways of greatly reducing or stopping your water hammer issues to give you peace of mind.
A Mr. Nice Guide
If you’ve ever turned off a tap and heard a loud bang, thud, or shuddering rattle through the pipes, you’ve experienced water hammer. It’s not a ghost in the walls — it’s physics at play. Left untreated, it can damage pipes, fittings, and appliances.
​
​
What is Water Hammer?
Water hammer occurs when moving water is forced to stop or change direction suddenly — like slamming on the brakes in a car. The momentum of the water creates a shockwave that travels through your pipes, causing them to vibrate or bang against walls, studs, or other pipes.
​
​
Common Causes
-
High Water Pressure – Excessive pressure increases the force of the shock when taps or valves close.
-
Fast-Closing Valves – Modern appliances like washing machines and dishwashers shut water off abruptly, triggering hammer.
-
Poor Pipe Support – Loose or poorly clipped pipework can rattle loudly when shockwaves pass through.
-
Lack of Water Hammer Arrestors – Older plumbing systems often weren’t fitted with devices to absorb the shock.
​
​
Why It’s a Problem
Water hammer isn’t just noisy — it’s destructive. Over time, the constant shocks can:
-
Damage pipes and joints.
-
Weaken fittings and tapware.
-
Shorten the lifespan of appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
​
​
How We Fix Water Hammer
Step 1: Investigation
We test the water pressure, inspect the pipework, and listen for the telltale hammer.
Step 2: Solutions
-
Pressure Reduction: Installing a pressure limiting valve brings water pressure back into the safe range.
-
Pipe Securing: Clipping and securing loose pipework prevents rattling.
-
Water Hammer Arrestors: Special devices installed near problem points absorb shockwaves before they travel through the system.
-
Valve & Appliance Checks: We ensure taps and appliance valves are operating smoothly.
​
​
The Mr. Nice Difference
Water hammer may sound alarming, but with the right solution it can be silenced — restoring peace to your home and protection to your pipes. We don’t just make the noise go away; we make sure your plumbing system is calm, stable, and built to last.
Because at Mr. Nice Plumbing, even your pipes deserve to live without unnecessary drama.
