If you’ve ever turned on your kitchen sink faucet and heard a loud thump, you’re not alone. This strange noise is actually quite common, and there are several possible explanations for why it happens. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most likely causes of a thumping faucet and what you can do to fix it. Read on to learn more!
What Causes A Thumping Noise In Your Kitchen Faucet
Ever noticed a thumping sound coming from your faucet after turning off the water? Chances are, this is caused by something called a ‘water hammer’. While it may appear to come from the tap itself, in reality, it’s actually created within the pipes surrounding it.
A thumping noise coming from your kitchen faucet usually results from water that is not running through the pipe with even pressure. This can be caused by several things, such as defective valves in your system, foreign debris impeding water flow, or air bubbles trapped within the plumbing system.
Generally speaking, this is nothing to worry about and can be resolved quite easily by checking the check valves or having a plumber do a quick system pressure test. However, if the thumping persists for long periods or becomes more pronounced it is best to get professional help to avoid any costly repairs down the line.
What Is Water Hammer?
A water hammer is a common plumbing problem that occurs when water abruptly stops or changes direction due to the sudden closing of a valve or faucet. This results in a loud banging noise that can be heard throughout the house. Water hammers can be caused by worn washers, loose pipe connections, or even high water pressure.
To prevent this issue from occurring, it is important to make sure all pipe connections are secure and all washers are properly replaced as needed. Additionally, if you have high water pressure running through your home’s pipes, invest in a pressure-reducing valve to keep it within an acceptable range. Taking these preventive measures will help ensure your pipes remain quiet and free from damage!
What Causes Water Hammer?
The primary cause of water hammer is the sudden cessation or change in direction of a high-velocity flow of liquid as it moves through pipes and valves. When this occurs, the momentum of the liquid causes an impact sensation that manifests itself as a thumping or hammering noise.
This can also happen when air bubbles are trapped within the plumbing system and come into contact with fittings, obstructions, or other components. In addition, worn-out check valves or faulty shutoff valves may result in water hammering due to increased pressure buildup that is created within the pipes surrounding it.
Is Water Hammer Bad?
Ignoring the water hammer might seem like a harmless solution, but can lead to costly damage later on. Not only do the vibrations and movements of pipes during episodes of water hammer create an irritating noise, but they also increase the likelihood of leaks in your plumbing system – potentially leading to major flooding if left unchecked. Therefore you must address any signs or symptoms of water hammer right away to protect against significant harm!
How Do I Fix A Thumping Kitchen Faucet?
If you’re encountering a water hammer issue, there are two likely solutions – draining the system or installing an arrester. Even if drainage fails to resolve the problem, an arrester is sure to put it in order and provide long-term relief from your troubles.
Drain The System
If you own a modern residential home, it most likely features vertical air chambers that are designed to help block water hammers. The theory is based on the concept that compressed air can take in and absorb any shock or pressure from abrupt changes of direction in the water’s flow. But issues will arise if these chambers fill up with too much water as they won’t be able to perform their intended purpose efficiently. To solve this problem easily, follow these simple steps for draining your plumbing lines:
- To ensure optimal safety, make sure you locate the main shut-off valve that controls your home’s water supply at the entry point of its main line. Turning off this valve will limit any potential damage to your property.
- Once the water has been shut off, open up all of your highest faucets (if applicable).
- Initiate by leaving the faucets open, then proceed through your home from top to bottom and turn on all of the taps starting with the highest point.
- To ensure the plumbing is completely emptied of water, allow the faucets to remain open until all liquid has dissipated.
- When you’re finished draining the water from your pipes, simply turn back on the main shut-off valve to refill them with fresh water.
Install A Water Hammer Arrestor
Unfortunately, flushing the plumbing pipes may not solve the issue. When this occurs, consider adding a water hammer arrestor as an alternative solution. This cylinder-shaped device is approximately 3 to 4 inches long and attaches directly to your pipes; it works quickly and efficiently in minimizing any issues with excessive banging or vibrations caused by sudden changes in pressure within the pipe system.
With an air-filled chamber and spring-loaded piston that absorbs the pressure from turning, the fitting prevents your pipes from clanging. Despite this purposeful feature, how to install it depends on where you’re situated as well as which arrester you’ve selected for the job.
For instance, you can solder a tee onto them or just fit one in place with compression fittings – although at times cutting into walls is necessary to access particular piping systems and make it happen. This could be quite a significant undertaking!
Strategically place the device as close to its corresponding valve as you can when installing–be it near a faucet, washing machine, or toilet shut-off. This will ensure optimal performance and efficiency regardless of where your installation is located.
How can you fix a thumping kitchen faucet yourself, without having to call a plumber or handyman?
If you have a thumping kitchen faucet, you can attempt to fix it yourself without the help of a professional. The most likely culprit for thumping is air inside the pipe. To properly diagnose and solve this issue, turn off the shut-off valves under the sink and open the faucet fully until all water is emptied out of the pipe.
Once that’s done, turn on each valve separately until you hear the gushing of water from within. At this point, make sure all shut-off valves are open, then turn on both valves simultaneously; running cold water first and then hot. If your kitchen faucet still makes noise after trying this method, there may be other underlying problems within the tap that should be handled by an experienced plumber or handyman.
Tips for preventing thumping noises in your kitchen faucet
One of the most common ways to prevent a thumping noise in your kitchen faucet is to inspect the main water supply. Replacing old or worn supply lines can help ensure that water flows smoothly through them and prevents any debris or other materials that could cause a loud thumping noise. In addition, make sure you flush the hot water tank each year to ensure any sediment buildup is cleared out.
Regularly checking the washers on the stem valves of the faucet can also help reduce thumping noises since they are designed to prevent water from leaking out. Finally, if you have a filter attached to your faucet, make sure it’s changed at least once a month so it doesn’t become clogged with unwanted deposits. Preventing thumping noises in your kitchen faucet requires consistent maintenance and vigilance, but following these steps should help you get closer to achieving quieter waters!
If you have an older home, are there any other plumbing fixtures that might make similar noises and how can you fix them as well?
If you find yourself dealing with unpleasant noises coming from your plumbing fixtures, it is important to consider whether there are any older plumbing systems in your home. Older piping can often experience issues and produce noises, much like a newer system would do when faced with similar problems.
Troubleshooting these issues and making the necessary repairs can be daunting – but there are solutions that don’t require expensive replacement of pipes or fixtures. Be sure to consult with a professional if the problem requires more rigorous attention than a simple repair job.
In addition, running hot water for several minutes each time you use your plumbing fixtures can help expand and contract the piping, thus preventing the formation of air pockets that cause such bothersome noises. Remember: no matter how subtle or intermittent those sounds may seem initially, always take them as warnings of underlying issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
