Bradford White water heater causes banging or hammering noises in pipes when it heats or when faucets are closed.

Safety: Noise itself is usually not dangerous but can indicate stress on plumbing.

Steps:

• Secure piping: Inspect accessible hot and cold lines near the heater and secure them with proper clamps to framing.
• Install expansion tank: If you have a closed system (check valve or PRV), install a properly sized thermal expansion tank on the cold inlet to the Bradford White heater.
• Add hammer arrestors: Install water hammer arrestors near quick-closing fixtures (dishwasher, washing machine) if banging occurs when they shut off.

Persistent severe hammer may require a plumber to evaluate system pressure and piping layout.