Thudding water pipes All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[GAB1979]

Please help... I've recently moved into a house and only just discovered that, when i turn the taps off quickly or when the washing machine lets in and shuts off water, a large thudding sound echo's through the pipes, the water pressure is'nt effected in any way its just becoming a nuisance...... please help,

Many thanks.

[Steve the gas]

Hi,
Follow the route of the pipes if poss and make sure they are clipped regularly.
Also/ or insulate the pipes with split insulation for pipes.

Hth

[rosebery]

You have water hammer. It may be only a nuisance now but if its bad enough sooner or later it WILL damage your system leading to joint failure and water flowing where it should not be.

Solutions:

1. Reduce the flow by partially closing your main stop cock.

2. Clip the pipes where they are unclipped.

3. Change the valves causing the problem.

4. Fit a water hammer arrestor.

Cheers