What’s that hammering noise?

Why do I hear a hammering noise coming from my pipes? Is this a common plumbing issue and how can Doherty Plumbing Solutions help?

Emergency plumbing Glen Waverley

An anxious customer from Glen Waverley reached out to us, suspecting a fault in their hot water plumbing connection. They had heard strange noises coming from the pipework when the hot water taps were turned off in their laundry, bathroom and powder room.

Doherty Plumbing Solutions’ licensed plumbing professional George was at the scene to resolve the problem.

After an inspection, George detected the cause of the noise was water hammer occurring inside the connection.

He looked into the Aquamax gas storage heater unit outside the building and located the faulty duo valve that was quite old. After isolating the water supply, George replaced the old valve and re-connected the supply line directly to hot water outlet. Then, the plumbing fixtures inside the house were all tested. The situation was much improved!

Well done, George.

What is ‘water hammer’ effect?

Water hammer, or hydraulic shock, involves a sudden shock experienced by the water flow inside a pipeline, after it has encountered a blockage (such as a shut-off valve). Once the flowing water hits this block, the water molecules’ tendency is to retrace their flow in the opposite direction, when they collide with the incoming molecules. This sudden change in direction of the water creates a huge pressure surge moving pipes, causing a banging sound.

How can high water pressure damage pipes?

The increased pressure build-up due to a water hammer effect can not only damage pipelines, but also cause cracks that lead to water leaks. They can even harm the various valve systems in the plumbing connections, snowballing into additional effects on connected appliances. For example, it can blow off the diaphragm in pressure tanks resulting in irregular water flow, or affect water meters.

How to tackle the water hammer issue?

It is crucial to maintain the pipelines regularly with the help of professional services, such as Doherty Plumbing Solutions. Undertaking checks of the pipework, ensuring there are no blockages, and fitting pipes in correct alignment, are important first steps that can help in the long run.

Additional measures could also include the following:

  • Fitting valves that close slowly to prevent sudden blockage.
  • Ensuring pipelines have built-in provisions for air chambers, which act as shock absorbers to reduce the effects of accumulating pressure.

Who can help with water hammer issues?

Don’t let a water hammer issue cause extensive damage to the plumbing connections and fixtures. Act fast, TODAY!

At Doherty Plumbing Solutions, we are here to help you tackle the bang and prevent a potential disaster in your home or business.

Contact our team at:

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    Quick and efficient. The work was done as quoted and unlike many tradies they turned up when they said they would. Very happy with there work.
    Tony G Avatar
    Tony G
    12/13/2024
    I was very impressed with the service. From the time I made the phone call and all the costs were advised until I received a text message advising Tim would be at my place within 9 minutes. Tim was very professional and I will use your Company in future if I have any plumbing work to be done.
    Noel Harvey Avatar
    Noel Harvey
    8/23/2023
    Expected attendance time was managed well with calls and alerts prior to. People were respectful, friendly and professional. Problem was quickly diagnosed, fixed and tested through appliances. Clean-up afterwards was greatly appreciated and a step above other service providers. Used Doherty a number of times, very happy to recommend them.
    Stuart Boys Avatar
    Stuart Boys
    7/20/2023
    I called Doherty with a problem that was causing me all sorts of issues. They sorted it out quickly and efficiently and got the job done without any fuss, on time, with courtesy and professionalism and at a reasonable price. I will use Doherty again!
    Christine Salau Avatar
    Christine Salau
    9/06/2023
    This is the second time I have used Doherty Plumbing Solutions. Their service and communication is first class. Tim and Angus were very professional. They were able to find the source of a difficult leak and make the appropriate repairs. I appreciate the quality work that they have done.
    Margaret Holdsworth Avatar
    Margaret Holdsworth
    12/30/2023
    George came; did my work quietly and respectfully. Noted a problem (big gaping crack in the pipe under the bench), and asked if we would like to change it. No pressure applied, and just added it to his list when I gave the go ahead. Would use this company again and again.
    Kath Edney Avatar
    Kath Edney
    3/30/2024
    The 3rd time I have used the Doherty team for Plumbing issues and I highly recommend them! Responsive, professional, polite and reasonably priced, all make for a great experience.
    Matt Lane Avatar
    Matt Lane
    2/29/2024
    I have been dealing with Doherty Plumbing for some years and I find them to be professional, knowledgeable and prompt. Their costs are very competitive. They are quick and always fix the problem. They have been so competent and reliable, that I will always call them and never go anywhere else.
    Gillian Morgan Avatar
    Gillian Morgan
    2/06/2025
    Call Doherty Plumbing after our hot water service stopped working. Arrived within specified timeframe and in the same day. Contacted us to let us know they were on the way. Fixed this issue on good time and clearly explained what was done. Excellent service from start to finish. Felt very comfortable with them. Well done. Highly recommend.
    Tas Kotsandis Avatar
    Tas Kotsandis
    6/20/2023
    The team from Doherty Plumbing responded promptly to my emergency call to unblock the sewer drain in our backyard. Tim and Angus were professional, courteous and thorough in their work. I highly recommend this business to take care of your plumbing issues.
    Donna O'Keeffe Avatar
    Donna O'Keeffe
    12/30/2023
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432