[yhlee]

Hi,

I think I have a water hammer problem, but I don't know how to solve it properly. About 70% of the faucets when shut off (and sometimes turning on now) are causing my refrigerator to have a banging sound. The volume of the sound is dependent on how fast the water is shut-off.

I plan to buy water hammer arrester, but I don't know where is the proper place to install them, since it's the shut-offs elsewhere that is causing the refrig to bang. I also tried draining the entire house plumbing system, but that only helped for a couple of weeks. I just found out that dissembling and re-installing the angle stops for each faucet will help. Is that going to work?

Or shall I simply disconnect the water supply line to my refrig to prevent a serious future break in my plumbing?

Many thanks.

 

[TheEplumber]

First, check all exposed piping- be sure it is secured. You may just have loose pipes.
Also check your water pressure, it should be between 60#-80#

 

[joecaption]

Shut off valves do not cause water hammer. To high a pressure or air in the lines causes it.

 

[yhlee]

I checked the water line behind the refrig. The sound is coming from the thin pipe that connects the wall to the refrig, banging on the back of refrig. When other faucets are shut-off, it appears that the water is moved through the thin pipe (either going in or out of refrig) suddenly causing a jerking reaction.

I had 50 pounds of water pressure, and I have adjusted it to 40 pounds. It did get better, but it's still there.

Is this a problem with my refrig or my plumbing? Before I had the new refrig, I don't think I've ever heard any sounds in the past.

Thanks.

 

[TheEplumber]

Sounds like you have a copper line. Buy a stainless steel braided flex line for your refer. This will absorb the surge and is a much better supply line. Box stores will have it.

 

[yhlee]

Will a water hammer arrester that connects to the thin pipe help?

Or a stainless steel braided flex line easier?

Thanks.

 

[TheEplumber]

flex will be easier, will cost slightly more- maybe $15. It is a better line too.

 

[yhlee]

Many many thanks. Really appreciate your answers.