# How to Fix Water Heater Hammering
Water heaters aren't usually the culprit when your pipes start to bang, but they often take the blame. The startling noise occurs when fixtures quickly close and abruptly stop water's movement in your pipes. The residual kinetic energy of the water rocks backward and forward through your copper pipes until the energy dissipates, similar to your car rocking when you hit the brakes unexpectedly. The energy knocks your pipes into studs and shakes your water heater. You can fix many causes of water hammer with nothing more than a wrench, but other causes require the help of an experienced plumber.
Things You'll Need
- Adjustable crescent wrench
- Replacement washers or gaskets (if necessary)
- Water hammer arrestor (if necessary)
Instructions
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Correcting Water Hammer in Modern Homes
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Solenoids in dishwashers and washing machines rapidly open and close valves. Turn each faucet and showerhead on and off, listening for water hammer after each action. A faulty gasket or valve in an individual outlet may be causing the hammering. Also flush each toilet. Pay particular attention when running your washing machine and dishwasher. These two appliances have rapid changes in water flow that can exacerbate water hammer.
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2
Single-lever faucets are more likely to trigger water hamer than double-handled faucets. Check the valves and gaskets of any outlet causing water hammer. Shut off the water at the outlet and use a wrench to remove the fixture. Replace worn pieces. If you have older fixtures, changing over to low-flow fixtures can reduce the water's sudden starting and stopping that triggers water hammer.
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Ensure your water heater has an operational expansion tank. This small but vital tank relieves the movement and pressure in the plumbing lines.
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Check the water pressure entering your home. High incoming water pressure can cause water hammer, particularly if you have smaller pipes. A pressure regulator lowers the flow rate and reduces water hammer.
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Install a water hammer arrestor at any outlet that continues to cause water hammer. While some homeowners may attempt the installation themselves, a licensed plumber can match the right size arrestor to your particular pipes.
Draining Older Plumbing Systems
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Risers aren't used in new construction. Drain the plumbing system of older homes. Many older homes often have 12 to 24 inches of piping that rise above the outlet and are capped off. These dead-ends, called risers, originally held a pocket of air that acted as a shock absorber for water movement. Water, however, will eventually fill these pipes. Draining the system restores the air pockets.
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Close the incoming water at the water main or meter. Drain your water heater according to the manufacturer's directions. Always shut off your water heater or use a standby setting before draining. Be careful; water temperatures may reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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An outside hose is often the plumbing system's lowest point. Open the faucets in your home, then open the faucet at the lowest elevation of your home and allow all water to drain from your pipes. The system, including the risers, is now filled with air. Close the lowest faucet and turn the water back on at the water main or meter. Close the remaining faucets when water runs smoothly. Don't panic; the gurgling noises are normal as the pipes refill.
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