Why do I hear a hammering noise when I turn off my faucet?

Water hammer - that banging or hammering sound when you shut off a faucet is caused by water suddenly stopping in your pipes, creating a pressure wave that makes the pipes vibrate against framing or each other.

When you quickly close a faucet, the flowing water has momentum and wants to keep moving. This creates a shock wave that travels back through your plumbing system, causing pipes to bang against walls, joists, or other pipes. The noise is most noticeable with quick-closing fixtures like washing machine valves, dishwashers, or when you rapidly turn off a faucet.

Water hammer arrestors are the proper solution - these small devices contain air chambers that absorb the pressure shock. In Ottawa homes, especially older ones with copper piping, water hammer is common because the original air chambers in the plumbing may have become waterlogged over time. Modern plumbing codes require water hammer arrestors on appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.

The hammering isn't just annoying - it can actually damage your plumbing over time by loosening joints, causing leaks, or even bursting pipes in extreme cases. You might also notice the problem gets worse in winter when water pressure is typically higher in Ottawa's municipal system.

Quick fixes you can try include turning your faucets off more slowly, but the proper solution involves installing water hammer arrestors or draining your plumbing system to restore air chambers. Since this work often requires accessing pipes inside walls and knowledge of proper placement, most Ottawa homeowners benefit from having a licensed plumber assess and fix the issue.

For a permanent solution to water hammer in your Ottawa home, Ottawa Pro Plumbing can install the appropriate arrestors and ensure your plumbing system operates quietly and safely.

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