by Gary Mays | Nov 28, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, emergency plumber Gold Coast, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Health Issues, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, licensed plumber, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Emergencies, Plumbing Maintenance, Water Hammer, Water Leaks, water surge
What is a water surge or water hammer?
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that a water surge or water hammer can be frustrating and potentially damaging for homeowners. That’s why we’re here to explain the problem in simple terms and offer solutions for preventing and resolving it.
Water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow or other liquids throughout a building.
One of the most common causes of a water surge or water hammer is the rapid closing of a valve. When a valve is closed quickly, water hits a dead end, sharp bend, or any other situation that creates a high-pressure shockwave to travel through the pipework, causing a loud banging noise and increased pressure. This can damage pipes, fittings, and appliances and cause leaks.
Another common cause of water surge is a problem with your pressure pump system. If your pump is malfunctioning, it can create a surge of pressure that can cause the same issues as a rapidly closed valve.
The effects of water hammer can range from a loud knocking or banging noise in the pipes to more severe issues such as broken pipework. However, the risks posed by water surge are particularly significant in high-rise buildings.
High-rise buildings are susceptible to water surge
Most high-rise buildings have at least one riser that runs from the basement to the top floor and connects to smaller distribution pipework on each floor. Suppose a pump stops operating, for example, due to a power cut or a fault in the system. In that case, the water pressure in the building gradually declines as outlets are opened, and the remaining water in the system is drained under gravity.
This can create a vacuum in the pipework, depending on whether there are non-return valves or pressure-reducing valves installed in other parts of the water pipe reticulation system. When the power is restored, and the pump begins to operate again, it restores system pressure to pre-set levels. However, if the unit is not designed, installed and maintained correctly and does not have a comprehensive “soft fill mode”, the water hammer or water surge will be almost unavoidable.
In the worst-case scenario, pressurised water is pushed into a vacuum, causing the water to accelerate beyond expected design velocities. This can be due to multiple pumps running or pumps that are designed as “standby”. This results in a hydraulic shock to the pipework that can be beyond the operating pressure of the system, potentially causing weak pipework or connections to burst, resulting in flooding and expensive water damage within the building.
Not only is this expensive to repair, it means downtime to the building’s water supply. It is also a severe health and safety risk to those occupying the building during the burst.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. One solution is to ensure that you have a booster set with a surge protection feature, so when the pumps are powered back up, they are limited to one pump and gradually increase their pressure to avoid ramping up too quickly. In addition, an AWSPV valve or an Air and Water Protection Valve can be installed at the top of each riser. This device not only avoids vacuum being created, but it also forces air through the “anti-surge” orifice when the system is filling, allowing for the deceleration of the incoming water supply, thanks to the resistance created by rising air pressure in the AWSPV valve.
This softens the potential pressure spike when the AWSPV valve finally closes. The AWSPV valve design ensures effective de-aeration under all pipeline flow and operating conditions via one of three discharge orifices. Once the system is full and free of air, the valve seals and must be piped to a drain or safe area to ensure any leaks are discharged to a visible position. This ensures that everything is visible without causing further water damage.
In conclusion, a water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow throughout a building. High-rise buildings are particularly at risk due to the potential for a vacuum to be created when the water pressure is restored, which can cause a surge in water pressure and potentially cause damage to the pipework or connections. By taking the necessary precautions, such as ensuring a booster set with a surge protection feature and installing an Air and Water Protection Valve, you can avoid these issues and ensure the safety and reliability of your building’s water supply.
Proactive prevention you should implement
To prevent water surge, it is crucial to have your plumbing system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional plumber. This can help identify any potential issues before they become a problem.
Even in your traditional home, installing a water hammer arrestor, a device that absorbs the shock wave created by a rapidly closed valve, can help prevent water surge or water hammer from occurring.
If you have doubts about whether you are experiencing a water hammer or a water surge in your home or your high-rise building, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Whywait Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the problem, offer solutions, and get your plumbing system back to working correctly. Whether a simple adjustment or a complex repair, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right.
At Whywait Plumbing, we are experts in protecting you from water surge or water hammer. We can help you understand the causes of your problems and recommend the best solutions for your home or high-rise building. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
by Gary Mays | Oct 2, 2022 | burst flexible hoses
Protect your home from burst flexible hoses with auto flood stop isolation valves
One of the most common causes of home water damage is burst flexible hoses. These hoses are often used for taps, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges.
While they are convenient, they can also be a source of severe problems if they burst. That’s why it’s essential to have an auto flood stop isolation valve installed on any flexible hose in your home. These valves will automatically shut off the water flow if a hose bursts, helping to prevent extensive damage.
What are auto flood stop isolation valves, and how do they work
Auto flood stop isolation valves are specifically designed to prevent flooding in homes. These isolation valves can detect and arrest water flow when flexible hoses burst, thus preventing water spillage into the adjacent rooms and flooding houses.
The valve works by acting as a check for water should the flexible hose start leaking and detects excessive water usage, triggering an automatic shut-off of the isolation valve so that the house remains safe from water damage. With these auto flood stop isolation valves, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected even when flexible hoses burst.
Burst flexible hoses are a prime reason for installing auto flood stop isolation valves in your home
Installing water auto shut-off valves in your home can be a great way to protect your property from water damage caused by burst flexible hoses. Not only does water damage from these sources cause immediate destruction in the area it leaks, but it can also cause long-term issues as water works its way into walls, floors, and other unseen areas.
Installing water auto shut-off valves helps you avoid expensive repairs that can come with water damage and give you peace of mind knowing that the auto shut-off valve will turn off the water before a disaster quickly. Preventative measures such as installing water auto shut-off valves should be essential to caring for your property and should not be ignored.
How to install them in your home’s plumbing system
Installing auto flood stop isolation valves in your home plumbing system can seem intimidating, but it can be straightforward with the right expertise and assistance. At Whywait Plumbing, we are experienced in installing auto flood stop isolation valves to ensure a secure and proper installation. In addition, we will be able to run through the whole process with you and answer any questions.
Overall, auto flood stop isolation valves provide significant protection for your home plumbing system, making installation worth it in the long run.
The benefits of having auto flood stop isolation valves in your home
Having auto flood-stop isolation valves in your home is a great way to lower your insurance premiums and provide protection from water damage caused by burst flexible hoses. This type of valve automatically shuts off the water supply when it detects excessive water usage, reducing the risk of severe water damage to your home.
This extra layer of defence can give you peace of mind that you are doing all you can to protect your home and lower the chance of incurring expensive rectification costs associated with water damage. Additionally, installing them could mean lower insurance premiums since using such a device shows that you have put measures in place to protect your home from potential disaster.
Why you need auto flood stop isolation valves installed now
Auto flood stop isolation valves are a reliable and effective means of avoiding burst flexible hoses and stopping potentially disastrous leaking in your home. Such valves will detect any burst flexible hoses or fittings immediately. The containment of hot and cold water up to the isolation valve can be stopped within seconds.
This is possible with the help of a built-in detector in the valve that constantly monitors water pressure and flow rate while also ensuring that taps and appliances have the correct amount of pressure running through them. Thus, auto flood stop isolation valves provide homeowners with peace of mind and utmost safety in dealing with burst flexible hoses without incurring too much cost or worries about burst flexible hoses flooding the house.
Although auto flood stop isolation valves are not required to be installed, they offer increased protection for your family and valuables. Imagine the damage that could occur with a bathroom vanity mixer tap hot water flexible hose bursting while you are on holiday. In that case, the valve will automatically shut off the hot water flow into the mixer, limiting the amount of damage that can occur. Installation is relatively simple and can be done by licensed plumbing professionals at Whywait Plumbing.
Have you considered adding auto flood stop isolation valves to your home?
by Gary Mays | Apr 6, 2014 | burst flexible hoses
An observant client, a crucial part of our maintenance process, recently contacted Whywait Plumbing with a pertinent question: ” What do rust spots mean on the flexible hoses on my tap in the kitchen sink?” Your vigilance is critical to maintaining the health of your plumbing system.
Rust is always a warning sign, and in a kitchen cupboard, rust spots on the exterior of the stainless steel braided flexible hoses indicate that the hose should be replaced before it bursts. Either of the following causes the rust:
- chemical leakage from household chemicals stored in the cupboard
- deterioration of the inner rubber tube liner
Essentially, all stainless steel braided flexible hoses have a stainless steel braided sheath over an inner tube, usually made of highly durable EDPM rubber. Water pressure forces the EDPM rubber inner tubing to expand against the braiding to avoid uneven stress pressure and prevent further expansion.
If the inner tube liner ruptures and starts to leak, the braided stainless steel is also unlikely to rupture simultaneously. Usually, water will leak through the braided stainless steel initially, resulting in either rust spots, water leaking or ultimately, if the warning signs go unseen, a burst hose with the resultant flooding.
Like all plumbing fixtures, a stainless steel flexible hose has a life expectancy and does require periodic checking based on:
- ensuring water pressures are not exceeding 500kPa
- ensuring water temperature is not excessive
- are not being affected by corrosive chemicals
- are installed correctly, and the hose is not kinked or stretched
Preventative maintenance is always the most positive way to prevent plumbing emergencies, which is why Whywait Plumbing Service Partners receives annual testing of stainless steel flexible hose tap connectors. We identify the location and condition of all flexible tap or hose connections in your home used on your sink, vanity, and toilet cisterns to ensure you have no potential bursts lurking in your kitchen or bathroom.
Regular inspections are key to giving you control over your property’s safety and minimising the risk of a flooded house from a burst flexible hose. Our commitment to proactive maintenance is unwavering, and we recommend replacing them every 3-5 years as part of a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan.
