Sound dossier

Water hammer

Sharp bang when flowing water stops abruptly.

Urgency profileInvestigate
Use timing, location and checks to separate competing explanations.
Signal familyPressure Shock

Sharp bang when flowing water stops abruptly.

Listen for the trigger

Record whether the sound begins with water flow, heating, wind, appliance operation or a change in room pressure.

Locate without unsafe access

Compare rooms and accessible surfaces. Do not open energized electrical equipment or combustion appliances to chase a sound.

Create a useful recording

Capture several seconds before and after the sound, include a spoken location and note the equipment state.

ObserveDistinguishControl sourceVerify
Living dossierPublished knowledge is connected and improved as new cases, images and outcomes are added. Updated 2026-07-20.