Water Hammer Explained: Why Pipes Bang and How to Fix It
A sudden banging or thudding in your walls when you turn off a tap, flush a toilet, or close a valve is usually water hammer. It’s not random: it happens when moving water is forced to stop or change direction quickly, creating a pressure surge that travels through your plumbing like a shockwave.
While the noise is often the first thing homeowners notice, repeated water hammer can stress joints, loosen fittings, and contribute to leaks over time. Understanding what causes it—and addressing the underlying plumbing behavior—can reduce both sound and risk.
What causes water hammer?
Water hammer occurs when water flow is interrupted suddenly. For example, a faucet may close instantly, or a toilet fill valve may stop water abruptly. The flowing water’s momentum has to go somewhere; when it’s stopped too quickly, pressure spikes form. Those spikes rebound through the sys ... Read more »

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