Is water hammer dangerous? (Main problems)
Content
Water hammer may seem like a mild low level problem, but it can wreak havoc on your pipes if left alone.
As a handyman, I have experienced water hammer several times. Hydraulic pressure due to interaction with air cushions (designed to cushion the shock effect or shock waves caused by water hammer) can damage pipes and valves and cause serious problems and accidents. Understanding the danger of water hammer will force you to fix the problem in time to avoid problems caused by water hammer.
Water hammer can cause damage that includes, but is not limited to:
- Damage to fittings, valves and pipes
- Leaks that lead to moderate flooding
- Annoying noisy sounds or shock waves
- Increased maintenance cost
- Sickness from eroded debris
- slip and concussion
I'll go into more detail below.
What is water hammer?
Briefly, water hammer describes a thud-like sound that comes from inside pipes or hoses when water flows.
Water hammer, also known as water hammer, is characterized by water surges and shock waves.
Water hammer mechanisms
Water hammer occurs when an open water valve in a sprinkler or plumbing system suddenly closes.
As a result, water overflows it when the pump abruptly changes the direction of the water flow. The impact creates shock waves propagating at the speed of sound between the valve and the direct elbow in the system. Shock waves can also be directed into the water column after the pump.
Although it sounds mild, water hammer is a concern; don't just tolerate it as it can cause huge problems.
The dangers of water hammer
As mentioned above, water hammer is inevitable and dangerous. Some of the problems caused by water hammer in life are as follows:
Water hammer can damage pipes, causing leaks
Water hammer or water hammer can cause pipes to leak or burst. A lot of water in pipes flows under high pressure. Water hammer concentrates pressure at one point, which can eventually lead to a pipe burst.
Water leakage is a big problem, especially if the water flow is measured. You may end up paying insane expenses.
In addition, water leaks can cause minor flooding in your home or yard, which can damage electronics, books, and other items in your home.
Accidents
In small situations, water leaks increase the risk of slips and concussions due to leaking pipes causing small leaks around the home. You can constantly clear them and they reappear, or even ignore them and slip through them one day.
Plumbing destroys the pipe
Similarly, the pressure and impacts of a water hammer can destroy a pipe.
This effect can cause problems. For example, debris due to pipe erosion can enter the human body.
Eating metal or plastic shavings can cause appendicitis. Appendicitis is caused by a buildup of indigestible materials in the appendix. The appendix becomes inflamed and this can lead to death.
In some cases, metal fragments are carcinogenic, and you can get cancer.
Water hammer can damage plumbing fixtures and valves
Your maintenance costs can skyrocket due to water hammer. A jet of water can damage fittings and valves, which are costly.
So be sure to check the condition of your pipes regularly and take action whenever you notice slight signs of water hammer.
Water also affects the functionality of gasketed joints and welded sections, as well as the overall integrity of the water supply system.
Annoying water noise
Annoying repetitive noise caused by water hammer.
Screaming sounds have a psychic effect on many people; imagine hearing this sound daily and at night, keeping you awake or waking you up from time to time. You may not realize it, but little sounds like this waking you up all night can interrupt your REM sleep, which is a deep sleep state, and make you wake up tired and unrested; when compiled over several months, it can affect your mental health.
As silly as it sounds, water hammer is a serious problem.
Check valve failure at a paper mill
A case study on the effects of water hammer in paper mills found check valve failure; unfortunately, the problem can spread to another pipeline system within the infrastructure.
Why do you hear water hammer?
The sudden cessation of water flow in pipes causes shock waves. Every time a faucet closes, it cuts off the flow of water throughout the system, causing shock waves.
In a typical situation, you should not hear shock waves because the plumbing system has air cushions to shield the shock waves.
So if you hear shock waves, problems are preventing the air cushion from forming.
Such problems include the following:
Bad plumbing
Poor installation of plumbing fixtures such as water faucets can lead to this problem. For example, if you notice water hammer immediately after installing new equipment, chances are it will work.
In addition, a plumbing system that is too old may also fail to mitigate water hammer.
limescale
Water with high concentrations of magnesium, calcium, and iron can cause limescale build-up, which can build up and eventually prevent the air chambers from draining properly, causing water hammer. (1, 2, 3)
So check your pipes and hoses regularly to prevent limescale from building up in your water systems.
How water hammer affects plumbing
Water hammer can make plumbing work difficult as it damages pipes, gaskets, fittings, etc.
You will have a problematic plumbing system if the situation remains unresolved.
Summing up
Make it a habit to inspect your water systems frequently and repair them when necessary to avoid the effects of water hammer. You can always seek professional help if you are unsure or stuck.
I hope this guide is instructive and a call to action.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to install a water hammer absorber
- How to Stop Water Hammer in a Sprinkler System
Recommendations
(1) Magnesium – https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
(2) Calcium – https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/
(3) iron – https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/26/iron
Video links
