Water hammer from multiple washing machines
Hello,
I live in an apartment building and has been experiencing water hammer (banging pipes) from washing machines in 3 neighbouring apartments. It started with one next door, which is the loudest and worst, the hammer goes on for up 6 hours. I contacted maintenance months ago and they tried to have an engineer look at the problem with the worst washing machine, found nothing, then replaced the washing machine. I have tried to explain to maintenance that a plumber is needed as it seems to be a pipe problem, but am getting ignored - maybe becasue it seems a bigger problem to deal with. Please can you provide any advice about what is needed to fix this issue.
Many thanks for your help.
Advice from 3 local tradespeople
Hi
Is this only when the w/m are in use nothing else?
If the answer is yes check the following
Are they integrated or free standing?
Are they secured and level so movement is minimal?
Are they touching any pipes?
My advice a plumber would be needed or knowledgeable engineer to identify the cause.
Obviously it needs investigating, but Water Hammer Arrestors can be installed.
These devices, installed on the water supply lines near the washing machines, contain a chamber with a piston or diaphragm that compresses when water hammer occurs, absorbing the shockwave and preventing it from reaching the pipes.
Air chambers are also an effective solution to water hammer. These systems consist of a short segment of pipe with an empty/air filled chamber that cushions shock waves. This reduces the size of the shock waves downstream of the valve.
