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Plumbing

Water Hammer / Vibration

Anonymous user 15/03/2024 - 2.53 PM

We have some interesting noises coming from the pipes. After experiencing it for a few weeks I feel confident that it's linked to the upstairs toilet. But need some advice as I'm not a plumber! Essentially when using any gaps/shower/washing machine there are periodic (perhaps once every 20 seconds at worst) where the pipes vibrate and the pressure reducing valve reading on the mains in goes a little crazy. The only time this doesn't happen is flushing the upstairs toilet. There is never any of the vibration or water hammer type noises when the toilet it refilling. Once the toilet is full, opening any valve in the system causes a vibration or water hammer noise. Sometimes just sitting on the toilet (it's a bit of an old house and the toilet has some small movement if someone sits on it) causes some noises on the pipes. My assumption is there's a valve playing up in the toilet and causing water to rush quickly and stop in terms of filling the toilet flush. There is a small amount of water trickling through to the bowl so I'm guessing it's trying to refill the flush in small amounts and opening any valve in the system triggers it too. Is it worth just getting the guts of the toilet replaced? Is there a seal worth changing between the cistern and toilet base too? Any advice appreciated or if it sounds unique and I need a plumber in I'll just get on that!

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3 Answers

As-Soon-As-Poss Plumber

Rating: 5 out of 5
Gosport
Hi Jan. Thanks for taking the time to write, water hammer it's a common problum but you may be lucky and just have a doddery toilet valve. If you can look at the toilet valve, does it have a small egg cup shape float? If so, they can sometimes judder so have it replaced / repaired. Then, and also, if the toilet pan is still showing water running / trickling then it's likely the (push) flush needs replacing / repairing. The reason the noise stops / does not come whilst the toilet is filling is because it's fully open... it can judder nearing the end of a fill and of course it's continuously trying to top up a leaking / trickling toilet. "the pressure reducing valve reading on the mains in goes a little crazy" There is a spring mechanism inside that may be faulty, perhaps check with a plumber if you really need this device and that your main stopcock is wide open. Perhaps this device was fitted by a plumber to try and eliminate the water hammer... doh! Good luck, Bob.
Answered27 November 2019
7

D & R Property and Plumbing Maintenance

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
New Romney
clip pipes, fit equilibrium inlet valves on toilets tanks etc,water hammer arrster on pipework.
Answered27 November 2019
1

Browns Plumbing Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Stafford
Water hammer can be a tricky one. It normally occurs where there is a high mains pressure, where a fill valve in combination with long poorly clipped pipe work runs set up oscillation, although there can be a number of factors involved. This can sometimes be cured by simply turning down the isolation valve to your cistern. If this fails then fit a water hammer arrest-er.
Answered16 December 2019
0