Water Hammer??

I think I may have a water hammer situation. Any advice appreciated. In our hall bath which is a tub/shower, whenever you turn off the hot water the pipe in the walls souds like it is banging around. Tonite I was out in the laundry room where the WH is located and I saw the pipes connected to the WH banging around as my wife was turning off the hot water. It also happened tonite when she turned the diverter so the shower turned on(first time that happened). This just started happening a couple days ago, when I noticed what appears to be bits of an o-ring breaking apart from the inside of the valve and flowing into the tub when the water is on. Does this sound like a water hammer? Would the o-ring be the culprit? We don't love the current fixture, so we would replace it if neccessary. Would that stop the noise? Also how does one change the fixtures, is it like changing a showerhead where it just screws in or more complicated. Thanks for any and all help! Erik

It could be but water hammer has to do with pressure when water stops running. It sounds like you have a pipe that needs to be secured to the framing. You may have to open a wall to fix this. I would first pull the diverter and H and C stems and inspect the washers and seats and based on your question

"Also how does one change the fixtures, is it like changing a showerhead where it just screws in or more complicated."

I would suggest you call a plumber as it is by far more complicated than screwing in a shower head.

Thanks Cass,

I will give those stems a look. As far as it being more complicated that is what I needed to know. I am a first time homeowner and we just moved in to this old house that needs a little fixing. I am more of a computer kind of guy but I like to learn as I go. I just needed to know how much time it was going to take. If I get in over my head I can always call a plumber then right?

As far as securing goes I will look into that too. It does only happen when the water is turned off quickly(except the one time my wife said it happend with the diverter). If you turn the handle really slow to turn off the hot water it doesnt hapen.

It sounds like the pipe needs to be secured. They also make water hammer arrestors that go in line to stop true water hammer and not just loose pipeing. I missed the part in your first post about your wife turning off the water. Not enough sleep.