Water hammer is a common but often misunderstood plumbing issue that can cause significant disruption in homes. Malcom, a resident of Mirador, reached out to Keogh Plumbing after experiencing persistent loud banging noises in his pipes whenever the water was turned on or off.
Our team – Sam, Mark, and Steve – quickly got to work, diagnosing the root causes and implementing a tailored solution to restore peace and functionality to Malcom’s home.
What is a Waterhammer?
Water hammer often occurs due to inadequately secured pipework or outdated plumbing fixtures. In Malcom’s case, the issue was traced to:
Incorrectly fastened pipework, causing pipes to vibrate and bang under pressure.
Worn jumper valves in traditional tapware, which exacerbated the noise and pressure instability.
While water hammer was the primary issue, these symptoms can also signal broader problems, such as cracked pipes or blockages. Left unaddressed, these can escalate to more significant concerns requiring advanced solutions like pipe relining or drain repairs.
To resolve the water hammer issue in Malcom’s home, Keogh Plumbing took a two-step approach that not only addressed the immediate problem but also ensured the plumbing system was more reliable in the long term.
Securing the Pipework
The first step was to stop the pipes from moving and vibrating. In the ceiling space, we installed clips every metre along the PEX pipes, securing them firmly. This stabilised the entire system, preventing the pipes from shifting when water pressure changed, and reduced the vibrations that caused the loud banging noises.
Upgrading the Tapware
Next, we replaced the old tapware with modern quarter-turn ceramic disc taps. These taps are designed to prevent the bouncing jumper valves that contribute to the water hammer. By upgrading to this more stable tapware, we reduced pressure fluctuations, resulting in smoother water flow and eliminating the noise.
Additional Upgrades for Safety and Efficiency
While we were on site, we also made a few important upgrades:
- Brass Hose Tap with Vacuum Breaker: We installed a new brass hose tap, complete with a vacuum breaker to prevent back-siphoning of non-drinkable water into the main supply. This added an extra layer of safety to Malcom’s plumbing system and ensured it met Australian plumbing standards.
- Washing Machine Emergency Stop Valve: We replaced the washing machine’s stop valve with a durable chrome mini valve, improving the reliability and longevity of the appliance’s water supply.
These steps not only resolved the water hammer but also improved the overall performance and safety of Malcom’s plumbing system, preventing future issues like leaks, blockages, or damage to pipes.
Why Keogh Plumbing?
Keogh Plumbing delivers expert solutions for all plumbing issues, from fixing water hammers to trenchless pipe relining. Our modern techniques minimise disruption while ensuring long-lasting results. Trusted by locals in Mirador, Merimbula, Bega, and surrounds, we’re committed to reliable, high-quality service tailored to your needs.
Need plumbing help? Call Keogh Plumbing today for fast, professional solutions!
