How to stop that annoying banging sound in your Thoroughgood pipes

Does your home in Thoroughgood sound like it has a ghost knocking inside the walls every time you turn off a faucet or the washing machine stops? That loud banging noise is called water hammer and it is more than just annoying. It can damage your plumbing over time. The good news is you can often fix it yourself or know when it is time to call a professional. Hard water solutions for Pungo properties using well water.

What is water hammer and why is it happening?

Water hammer happens when fast-moving water suddenly stops or changes direction in your pipes. This creates a shockwave that makes the pipes bang against walls, floors, or other pipes. In Thoroughgood homes built before the 1980s, this is often caused by missing or failed air chambers that used to cushion the shock. Homes near the coast like Thoroughgood also face higher city water pressure from Virginia Beach Public Utilities, which makes the problem worse. Virginia Beach Public Utilities.

3 common symptoms of water hammer in Thoroughgood homes

1. Sharp bang when appliances stop – You hear a loud knock right after your washing machine, dishwasher, or ice maker finishes filling.
2. Vibrating pipes behind walls – Touch the wall near a bathroom or kitchen and feel a vibration when you turn off a faucet quickly.
3. Repeating thuds in older homes – In Thoroughgood’s older ranches and bungalows, you may hear a series of smaller thuds that echo through the plumbing system.

DIY fix: how to drain your home’s plumbing system

Before calling a plumber, try this simple fix to restore the air chambers in your pipes. This works best for homes with visible shut-off valves near the water meter.. Read more about Why the Pipes in Your Cape Henry Home Are Sweating and How to Fix It.

If the noise stops, you have solved the problem. If it returns in a few days, the air chambers are likely waterlogged and need replacement with water hammer arrestors.

Professional solutions: water hammer arrestors and PRVs

When DIY fixes fail, you need a plumber to install permanent solutions. Water hammer arrestors are small devices that absorb the shockwave. They install near the source of the noise, like on washing machine valves or under sinks. For Thoroughgood homes with consistently high water pressure, a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the main line can prevent future issues.. Read more about Common Plumbing Issues Found in Older Heritage Park Homes.

According to the Virginia Residential Code 2021, PRVs are required when incoming water pressure exceeds 80 PSI. Many Thoroughgood homes test at 85-100 PSI due to their elevation and proximity to the water main. A licensed plumber can test your pressure with a gauge and install a PRV to protect your entire system.

The risks of ignoring the bang

Water hammer is not just noise. The repeated shock can cause pipe joints to loosen, valves to fail, and in extreme cases, pipes to burst. A burst pipe in your wall can cause thousands of dollars in water damage before you even notice it. The shock also shortens the life of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that have solenoid valves sensitive to pressure spikes. What to do when you have a burst pipe in your Little Neck home.

In Thoroughgood’s older homes with galvanized steel pipes, the problem is worse. These pipes corrode from the inside, creating rough surfaces that increase turbulence and make the hammering louder. The corrosion also weakens the pipe walls, making them more likely to fail under repeated stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water hammer dangerous for my pipes?

Yes. Over time, water hammer can loosen pipe joints, damage valves, and cause leaks or bursts. The shock waves create fatigue in the plumbing system that leads to premature failure. Plumbing Newport News.

How much does it cost to fix water hammer in Thoroughgood?

DIY draining costs nothing but your time. Professional installation of water hammer arrestors typically ranges from $150 to $350 per device. A whole-house PRV installation costs $350 to $600 plus the cost of any needed piping modifications. Drain Cleaning & Rooter Service.

Can I install water hammer arrestors myself?

Basic arrestors for washing machine valves are DIY-friendly if you are comfortable turning off your water and using a wrench. However, installing arrestors inside walls or adding a PRV requires a licensed plumber to ensure code compliance and prevent leaks.

Call (948) 207-0600 today to stop the banging

Don’t let that annoying banging sound turn into an expensive plumbing emergency. If you have tried the DIY fix and the noise keeps coming back, it is time to call the experts. Our licensed plumbers in Thoroughgood understand the specific water pressure challenges of coastal Virginia Beach homes. We can test your system, install the right arrestors, and make sure your plumbing meets all Virginia code requirements. Keep your Chic’s Beach basement dry with a new sump pump installation.

Pick up the phone and call (948) 207-0600 before the next storm hits. High winds and pressure changes can make water hammer worse. We offer same-day service in Thoroughgood and can usually stop that banging noise in just one visit.

You may also find this helpful. Signs Your Foxfire Home Needs a New Water Pressure Reducing Valve.

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