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Washing machine/plumbing question.?

We bought a new front load washer and it's a bit different from regular machines in the sense that when it opens the valve for water at the first cycle it starts than stop, starts than stops several time. This off and on of the water causes the pipes in the wall to make a loud banging noise. I assume it's from the quick cut and release of the water pressure. My question is can this do any long term damage to the pipes? Thanks.

Public Comments

  1. Not trying to be a smart a$$ but if you are worried about it then listen to where the noise is the loudest and start cutting. It may never do anything or it could be rubbing against a nail right now. If you are not the best at drywall repair, oh well it will be hidden by the washer anyway. *edit* I thought somehow you were talking about the drain pipe. Nevermind the other stuf it is air in the line.
  2. There are hammer arresters just for this problem.They screw onto the valve and then the hose screws onto them.They are an air pocket that take up the shock of the water being turned off so fast.Someone else has said that it will not be a problem this is not true the movement of the pipes might cause a big problem and the shock wave that is making the pipes move could rupture hoses and blow pipes apart.And this is not air in the lines causing this problem.Someone else has said that the air in the lines has dissolved into the water he is referring to air chambers that are built into the water system.Some places require these and they are a good idea but most places do not require these and the only thing that can be done is to add hammer arresters.
  3. No, it should not cause any damage to the pipes. This banging noise is called "hammering". It happens when there is not a vertical extension (about 4") above the faucet level. The air pressure causes this hammer effect. Other than being an annoying sound, it will not cause any damage.
  4. Hammer arrestors are definitely the answer.
  5. Sometimes the air in the pipes dissolve in to the water or just escapes one way or another. Try this first. Turn off all taps in the house. Then turn off the main water supply. Open the lowest tap in the house, basement preffered. Then open a tap in the highest part of the house. This will drain all the water in your lines. Once empty, close all the taps and then open the main water line this will put air back in the pipes and may lesson the hammering.