Maytag Washing Machine: water hammer

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing loud banging or hammering noises from your Maytag washing machine? This water hammer effect occurs during the fill or drain cycles, causing pressure shockwaves in your plumbing. You may also notice pipe vibrations and rattling sounds around the laundry area. Understanding the causes and solutions can help restore peace and functionality to your laundry space.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official resources focus more on vibration and load balance issues for noise; they do not specifically document water hammer, so plumbing causes are general.

Possible Causes

Hydraulic shock (water hammer) due to rapid valve closure in water supply lines

How to Identify: Loud banging noise in pipes that coincides precisely with the water fill cycles of the washer; vibration in walls or pipe supports.

Part: Water supply solenoid valves and plumbing lines

High household water pressure aggravating hydraulic shock

How to Identify: Water pressure measured above normal residential levels (>60 psi using a pressure gauge; louder and more forceful banging sounds.

Part: Main water supply pressure system

Loose or unsecured pipes in plumbing system

How to Identify: Pipes that visibly move or rattle when water flows through them, banging against wall framing or structural elements.

Part: Water supply and drain piping

Air pockets or lack of cushioning devices such as water hammer arrestors

How to Identify: Banging reduces after installing arrestors or after system bleed resets; older plumbing without built‑in arrestors.

Part: Water supply lines lacking arrestors or cushioning

DIY Solutions

Install Water Hammer Arrestor on Washing Machine Supply Lines

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, water hammer arrestor
  1. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
  2. Disconnect hot and cold water hoses from the wall valves.
  3. Install water hammer arrestors onto the supply valves using Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal.
  4. Reconnect the washer hoses to the arrestors and turn the water back on to test.
  5. Run a fill cycle to verify reduced banging.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water supply is fully off before disconnecting hoses to avoid flooding.

Secure Loose Plumbing Pipes

Easy 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: pipe straps, screwdriver or drill, foam insulation (optional)
  1. Locate exposed water supply and drain pipes near the washing machine.
  2. Add pipe straps or clips to secure loose pipes to framing members.
  3. Optionally wrap pipes in foam insulation to damp vibration.
  4. Test by running a washer fill cycle to check reduction in noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear eye protection when working in tight spaces.

Adjust Household Water Pressure

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: water pressure gauge
  1. Attach a pressure gauge to a nearby faucet or supply line to measure current water pressure.
  2. If pressure is high, adjust pressure regulator (if present) near the main shutoff to bring pressure into normal range.
  3. Retest machine operation to see if banging noise is reduced.
⚠️ Safety First: If unsure, consult a plumber to adjust pressure regulator.

Professional Repairs

Replace Faulty Solenoid Valve with Slower‑Closing or Dampened Valve

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 for part, $100–$300 labor

Plumbing System Upgrade and Water Hammer Mitigation

Estimated Cost: $200–$600+ depending on complexity

When to Call a Professional

Persistent loud banging after DIY arrestors and securing pipes
Evidence of leaking, pipe damage, or high household water pressure that you cannot adjust yourself

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and secure exposed water supply pipes regularly: Loose pipes that can exacerbate water hammer and vibration noise
    Frequency: annually
  • Check and replace worn water supply hoses: Potential water hammer amplification due to weak or deteriorated hoses
    Frequency: every 3–5 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine water hammer?
Water hammer is caused by hydraulic shock from rapid valve closure, high water pressure, loose pipes, or air pockets.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine water hammer myself?
You can install water hammer arrestors, secure loose pipes, or adjust your household water pressure to mitigate the issue.
How much does it cost to fix water hammer?
Professional repairs can cost between $200–$600+, depending on the complexity of the plumbing system upgrade.
When should I call a technician for water hammer?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the problem persists, it's time to call a technician for professional help.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Rapid closure of the water valves causing pressure surges
  • High water pressure in the plumbing system
  • Lack of water hammer arrestors in the plumbing system

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Install water hammer arrestors on the supply lines to absorb the shock of rapidly closing valves. Shut off the water supply, disconnect the hoses, and install the arrestors according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. Check and adjust the water pressure in your home. Use a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure and adjust the pressure regulator if necessary.

  3. Replace the inlet valves on the washing machine if they are faulty. Disconnect the power and water supply, remove the old valves, and install new ones following the manufacturer's guidelines.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Do any washers mix hot/cold, or do they all only do one at o...

Community Discussions

water hammer when switching between hot and cold

Consider installing water hammer arrestors to mitigate the banging noise.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!