kennysarmy Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 This is driving me nuts. Every ten or so days I have to shut off the cold water, turn on all the taps, drain the water out then turn the water back on. Otherwise the noise from turning off the cold water taps is a loud bang in the system. What am I doing wrong? How can air be continually getting in? Is there a trick to this, by leaving the upstairs taps on with the bottom ones closed as you refill or something - I've tried most combinations! I've even tried turning the cold water pressure down but that's not made much difference either. Any suggestions before I have to get a plumber out?
jmak Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 It sounds like water hammer rather than an air lock. I'm sure you've been reading endlessly, but just in case... Water hammer occurs when water suddenly changes direction, eg when youturn off the tap. The momentum change causes pressure waves in the pipes. Slightly odd that it's cured by draining and refilling the system - the normal cure is reducing the pressure, which you've already tried. I've never had to do more than that. The next step is adding something to the system to act as a shock absorber - I'd call an expert before I started spending money on something I wasn't sure would work. Good luck!
eyetea Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 What jmak said. Parents fitted a water hammer absorber / suppressor as the water hammer noise from the kitchen taps was dreadful. It hasn't cured it 100% but it's made it a lot better.
Joanne Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 If only having the stopcock on halfway isn't helping, you might need to get a new one fitted. Happened in our old house, so just lowered the pressure on it and it did the trick
Achandler Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 Problems with to strong a water pressure is like a dream for me, I live in an area where the pipes are so leaky the Fire Brigade have to ask United Utilities to up the pressure if there is a fire because the hydrants don't have enough pressure or flow. Down the road 2 miles though, its fine, I use to live there.
LeMarchand Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 Problems with to strong a water pressure is like a dream for me, I live in an area where the pipes are so leaky the Fire Brigade have to ask United Utilities to up the pressure if there is a fire because the hydrants don't have enough pressure or flow. Interesting... I've noticed a distinct drop in water pressure since we moved in (only really noticeable when I need to use the hose, which isn't often); will have to consult with the neighbours.
jamesreedersmith Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 Interesting... I've noticed a distinct drop in water pressure since we moved in (only really noticeable when I need to use the hose, which isn't often); will have to consult with the neighbours. This may be a different issue, depending on how the outside tap was installed a lot have a one way valve in line and this will reduce flow.
mukz Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 Try checking all accessible water pipes are clamped down properly. Another consideration is to get a pressure regulator fitted to see if that helps. (Might already have it installed)
elsiegee40 Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 We have a pressure regulator installed. And we have also had to have it replaced... twice. Hard water is a pain.
mukz Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 We have a pressure regulator installed. And we have also had to have it replaced... twice. Hard water is a pain. Hard water is definitely a pain, i have only had the whole house gutted and replumbed 4 years ago so fairly new. 2 years down the line and an inline water filter and a kinetico water softener are struggling to keep up - i go through a block of salt every 2-3 weeks.
elsiegee40 Posted January 31, 2018 Posted January 31, 2018 We now have a DualFlo water softener. I load 2 blocks in it about once a month when everyone is home. It lasts longer when the kids are off at university. It’s not cheap to install one, but better than having to replace taps, boilers and hot water tanks. Even the toilet mechanisms locked solid
kennysarmy Posted February 1, 2018 Author Posted February 1, 2018 Try checking all accessible water pipes are clamped down properly. Another consideration is to get a pressure regulator fitted to see if that helps. (Might already have it installed) Not sure any are accessible...it would mean lifting carpet and floor-boards Going to try another drain at the weekend and reduce the water pressure further - if it then comes back I'll get a plumber out to fit a pressure regulator. Thanks all for help and advice.
woodham Posted February 6, 2018 Posted February 6, 2018 https://www.screwfix.com/p/thomas-dudley-ltd-dw660-h-water-hammer-arrestor-bsp-connection/9813r somthing like this might help 1
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