The City of Hillsboro, Ohio

My pipes rattle, shake and I hear a loud knocking when I turn my water on. What causes this?

That is called a water hammer.

Water hammer is a vibration in the pipes.

Water hammer has many causes:

• A hot water tank with its temperature set too high.
• A loose washer in a valve or faucet.
• Water pipes not securely fastened.
• Faulty parts in toilets.
• Air in the lines from a repair on a water main or someone using a hydrant.