is there quick fix for "pipe knock" ??

[dave9999]

hi,
My replacement washer causes some pipe knock in my older home.
My plumbing does not have expansion chambers in the plumbing like newer or fancier homes. Does anyone know of a way to reduce knocking when water valves in washer turn instantly "off" ? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[nmaineman36]

What kind of washer did you get? Most machines slowly close a valve so it eliminates any chance of the pipes knocking. Your water pressure must be really high. I think I saw something at Home depot or Lowes that will stop that from happening.

 

[mielabor]

Look in the thread "How are your appliances connected" in the "Super" forum. Toggleswitch has installed a wonderful solution for that problem that can easily be duplicated using standard plumbing materials.

 

[mattl]

You can pick up a kit at Home Depot that simply screws onto the fitting the washer connects to and it should solve the problem. I have nothing against doing it correctly with copper pipe but some people just want a quick fix.

Almost totally off topic, but I always hated sweating copper pipes around the house, invariably one joint would leak. Last year I broke down and bought a Mapp gas torch instead of the propane one I'd been using for decades and it's a world of difference! Every joint if perfect. My cousin who's a plumber told me about it years ago just finally took his advice.

 

[sudsmaster]

The new lead free solders probably have a higher melting point than the older stuff. The tin-lead solders probably worked fine with propane torches, but I imagine the new stuff flows better with the hotter temps available with MAPP.

 

[toggleswitch]

~Toggleswitch has installed a wonderful solution for that problem that can easily be duplicated using standard plumbing materials.

A pressure reducrer can be installed to reduce the whole house's water pressure (BOO HISS MOAN!)

Or store-bought water-hammer silencers (in the form aor sealed air-chambers can be bought. If you have that Italian disease that comes to me so often (Fundz-are-lo) you can make these yourself with a 9 to 12 inch lenght of pipe (which is bigger than it sounds, trust me!) and two caps.

A small expansion tank with a (rubber or plastic diaphragm within) located jsut after the hot water heater on the "hot" water line can't hurt either.

 

[retro-man]

Alot of times pipe knock can be that you have loose hanging pipes somewhere in your system. Either one of the hangers have come loose or you might need to add a few in to secure the pipe tightly, especially if additional plumbing has been added. Best way is to have someone at the appliance that causes the banging and you go thru the house to locate where it is coming from. Brace it with your hand once you find it and see if it stops, if so add a hanger at that spot. Pipe movement is not good cause it puts a lot of pressure and strain on the joints. Cheap fix also. Hope this helps.
Jon