Recently, a few minutes into taking a shower, I'll hear pretty violent water hammer. It does NOT occur response to changing the valve in any way - not touching anything. It doesn't happen right away and also goes away after about 20 seconds, without changing anything. I'm trying to figure out what causes this.
Possible clues: Hasn't happened in the prior 3 years of use. No other use of water in the house at the time this occurs. I have also noticed that frequently there will be water coming out of the shower head when not in use. The shower is on the second floor and heater is in the basement.
Question:
Because the incoming pipes are pretty inaccessible I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the cartridge first before tearing out walls and putting in arresters?
Thanks!
Possible clues: Hasn't happened in the prior 3 years of use. No other use of water in the house at the time this occurs. I have also noticed that frequently there will be water coming out of the shower head when not in use. The shower is on the second floor and heater is in the basement.
Question:
Because the incoming pipes are pretty inaccessible I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the cartridge first before tearing out walls and putting in arresters?
Thanks!