Water Hammer

[ray bush]

What causes a water hammer ,i.e the pipes to vibrate when a tap is turnred on .

Thanks

[Hugh Spencer]

I think it is to do with the washer in a certain tap which you may be turning off too sharply. Years ago I had this problem and all I did was identify which tap was the culprit, by putting my ear close to, turn the tap on then slowly turn it off. I hope this works for you.

[ray bush]

Thanks for the answer.

These are newly installed taps ,could the problem be sorted just by renewing the washer in the tap,or could it be the tap design .

[carrust]

Did you get water hammer before the new taps were installed?

[ray bush]

The problem only started after the new taps were fitted ,which makes me feel that the problem lies within the tap somewhere.The taps are just single hot/cold water taps and not a mixer of any sort.

[carrust]

If a plumber installed them, then i'd get him back.

[ray bush]

No i did them ,but i've replace loads of taps in the past and this is a first for me.

[carrust]

Have you got the tools to strip the tap down?

[ray bush]

Yes. Is that my best bet ,strip it down and examine the washer etc .If thats ok could it be the tap design ? .

[carrust]

Be careful when you strip it down. You might have to take it back to the shop. Can't see it being the tap design, i'd inspect the washer assembly, & look into the body of the tap when you've removed the workings to to see if there's any sh1t on the face of valve. I'd also make sure the washer assembly moves freely within the workings of the tap.

[ray bush]

I'll strip it down and have a look at it , thanks for the help .

[jocky]

When renewing the taps you may have inadvertantly uncliped a pipe, badly cliped pipe will also hammer.