What is water hammering in pipes?

If you’ve ever turned off your faucet and heard a loud banging sound in your walls, you're not alone. That sound is known as water hammering. It’s a common plumbing issue that can cause damage to your pipes, lead to leaks, and even affect your home’s water pressure.

In fact, low house water pressure and loud plumbing noises often go hand-in-hand. And if you're searching for Phoenix plumbers today, you may already be dealing with the frustrating symptoms of water hammer.

Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is Water Hammer?

Water hammer—also called hydraulic shock—happens when water suddenly stops or changes direction in your plumbing system. When you close a valve or faucet quickly, the fast-moving water has nowhere to go. The energy from that force hits the pipe walls, causing a loud thudding or banging sound.

Over time, this pressure can wear down your pipes, joints, and valves.

Common Causes of Water Hammering

1. High Water Pressure

When your home's water pressure is too high, the velocity of water through the pipes increases. A sudden stop then creates a powerful shock wave.

2. Loose Pipes

Pipes that aren’t properly anchored will shake or bang when hit by sudden pressure changes. This is especially common in older homes across California cities like Modesto, Fresno, and Bakersfield.

3. Quick-Closing Valves

Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers have solenoid valves that close quickly. These are notorious for triggering water hammer.

4. Worn Water Hammer Arrestors

Some homes have water hammer arrestors installed. These devices absorb the shock. But like any part, they can wear out.

5. Air Chambers Filled with Water

Older plumbing systems use vertical pipes called air chambers to soften shocks. If they fill with water, they can no longer do their job.

How Does Water Hammer Affect Low House Water Pressure?

While water hammer itself is a high-pressure event, repeated occurrences can damage pipes. Cracked joints or slow leaks reduce water flow, contributing to low house water pressure over time.

Also, excessive pipe movement can cause blockages, mineral buildup, or misalignment—all of which restrict flow.

If you’re in San Bernardino, Santa Rosa, or Sacramento and experiencing pressure issues, water hammer could be the hidden cause.

Signs You Might Have Water Hammer

Not sure if water hammering is your issue? Look for these symptoms:

• Loud banging or clunking noises when turning faucets off

• Shaking or vibrating pipes

• Sudden pressure changes

• Faucet handles that jerk when turned off

• Leaks around pipe joints or valves

If you’ve noticed any of the above, now’s a good time to contact Phoenix plumbers today or a local plumber in your area.

DIY Fixes for Water Hammering

1. Secure Loose Pipes

Use pipe clamps or brackets to anchor pipes to the wall or framing. This reduces the vibration and noise.

2. Drain the Plumbing System

This can help reset air chambers.

Steps:

• Turn off the main water supply.

• Open all faucets in your home.

• Wait until all water drains out.

• Turn the main supply back on.

This reintroduces air into the vertical pipes that act as shock absorbers.

3. Install Water Hammer Arrestors

If your appliances cause hammering, adding arrestors near washing machines, dishwashers, or ice makers helps absorb the shock.

4. Adjust Water Pressure

High pressure is a major contributor. Use a water pressure gauge to test your system. Ideally, pressure should be between 40–60 psi.

If it’s higher, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) or calling in a plumber to adjust it.

When to Call Phoenix Plumbers Today

DIY can help with minor hammering. But when the noise gets worse or pressure drops, it’s time to bring in the pros.

A qualified plumber can:

• Check for hidden leaks or joint damage

• Install or replace water hammer arrestors

• Inspect your pressure regulation system

• Secure loose piping behind walls

• Recommend upgrades for older systems

Residents in Fresno, Oxnard, and Escondido often rely on local plumbing experts to fix deep-rooted water hammer issues that go beyond what’s visible.

Why Water Hammering is Common in California

Many California cities face unique challenges that increase the risk of water hammer:

• Hard water leads to scale buildup and restricts pipe diameter.

• Aging infrastructure in cities like Modesto, Stockton, and Riverside means older pipe designs that lack shock protection.

• Drought-driven water pressure changes in some areas stress plumbing systems unexpectedly.

Combined, these factors make it more likely for homeowners in California to deal with both water hammering and low house water pressure.

Long-Term Prevention Tips

To protect your home from future problems:

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections.

• Keep water pressure between 40–60 psi.

• Install modern valves and fixtures that reduce pressure surges.

• Regularly check for leaks and repair them promptly.

• Upgrade older piping in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and laundry.

Final Thoughts

Water hammer may sound like just an annoying noise, but it’s a sign of deeper plumbing issues. Left unchecked, it can damage pipes, reduce your home’s water pressure, and even lead to leaks or flooding.

If you’re in a California city or seeking help from phoenix plumbers today, don’t ignore the signs. Tackling water hammer early can save you costly repairs down the line—and restore normal water flow throughout your home.

From low house water pressure to shaking pipes, now you know what water hammering is and what you can do about it.