Hammering,shuddering pipes curtesy of my neighbour.....

[karena]

Hello all,
Yesterday my neighbour ( who lives below me) had a second-hand washing machine installed. The minute she started to use it, there was an almighty banging, shuddering and physical movement of my cold water mains pipe. It lasts for about 20 to 30 seconds and happens 3 or 4 times.....so I'm thinking it's when the machine draws water over the course of a cycle. We obviously share the main water pipe before it branches off to our own meters but I'm concerned that all this banging and shuddering will cause the pipe joints to split.
Could it be vibration due to pipes not being secured at her end properly or maybe something faulty in the machine itself?
Any help on this would be appreciated.
Ta
Karena.

 

[Best]

Hello Karena. Probably a combination of a couple of issues.
The pressure in the mains supply is very likely quite high. A pressure reducing valve at mains pipe where it enters building might help.
Also pipes should be clipped nicely.
A shock arrester valve at your neighbours washing machine is also something they might need.
You should ask your neighbour to sort it

 

[gassafe]

Probably why the first people gave the machine away lol... Some appliances snap the water off too fast causing water hammer...

They could get a washing machine shock arrestor, available from toolstation

 

[REDSAW]

in the event of any joints failing and flooding the place...dont worry downstairs will get wet first.