Question: We recently purchased a new front-loading washing machine and everything is great except every time the washing machine turns off the water, there is a loud banging noise. It even rattles the pipes in the wall. Is there any way to quiet this down?
Answer: The problem you are describing is called water hammer. It happens when the water flowing to your washing machine is abruptly stopped by the closing of the solenoid valve. This causes a pressure wave to propagate back in the direction the water was flowing from, making a banging noise and rattling the pipes in the wall.
Wikipedia suggests that “rough calculations can be made either using the Joukowsky equation, or more accurate ones using the method of characteristics.” If the Joukowsky equation does not appeal to you, there is a simpler solution available at your local hardware store. It is called a Mini-Rester water hammer arrester. You simply disconnect the water hose, attach the Mini-Rester, and reattach the hose onto the Mini-Rester. You need to install one on each of the hot and cold water lines. They cost between $11 and $18 each depending where you purchase them. The $11 price is from Menards.
A better washing machine hose
While researching this question I came across a braided steel hose with a FloodSafe auto shutoff connector. We have been preaching the installation of braided steel hoses on your washing machine for three years now, but this hose is a big improvement. It contains a built-in shutoff device that shuts off water to the hose should the hose fail or even be cut. The link below shows how this device performs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdShoXPcloA
In the video, they cut the hose in half, and you can see the water flow immediately stop. It is quite impressive and should be on every washing machine in Sun City. At Menards these hoses are $12 each. They also have FloodSafe hoses for toilets and for refrigerator ice makers.
• If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
