If you’ve ever started a load of laundry and been startled by a loud banging sound, you’re not imagining things. That sudden noise is a common plumbing issue known as water hammer, and it’s frequently seen with washing machines. While water hammer may start an annoying noise, ignoring it can lead to bigger plumbing problems and even cause hidden leaks behind walls. As a popular solution, a water hammer arrestor washing machine setup is designed to protect your plumbing system from the intense water pressure surge.
Whether you are considering installing a washer water hammer arrestor as a DIY upgrade or still exploring how it should be installed, having the right information upfront will help you save both time and money. In this guide, we’ll guide you through the basics of water hammer arrestors and why they should be installed for a washing machine. If you’ve already made up your mind, feel free to explore PlumbingSell to find the plumbing supply you need at an unbeatable price.
Table of Contents
What Is a Water Hammer Arrestor?
A water hammer arrestor helps solve current and potential water hammer problems caused by the sudden water pressure surges inside water supply lines. When water flows through pipes, it carries energy that needs to be spread when the fast-closing valves are closed abruptly. The sudden shut off makes the water have nowhere to go, therefore creating a shockwave that travels through the pipes, commonly known as water hammer.
In a typical water hammer arrestor washing machine setup, the arrestor is installed on the washer’s water supply line to absorb the pressure spike before it causes noise or damage to pipes. They are also known as a washing machine water hammer arrestor or washer hammer arrestor, all describing the same essential function.
Modern water hammer arrestors for appliances are more reliable than traditional air chambers, making them ideal for high-efficiency washing machines. However, it is still important to keep in mind that the arrestor may only partially absorb the energy if it is not installed properly or on secured pipes.
How Water Hammer Arrestors Work
When a washing machine valve is shut off suddenly, water travelling through the pipe stops instantly, creating pressure that hits back to the plumbing system. A washing machine hammer arrestor is specifically designed to give that pressure a controlled place to go. Instead of allowing the shockwave to travel through the pipes, the water hammer arrestor absorbs and dissipates the excess pressure.
The commonly seen modern washing machine water hammer arrestor consists of a sealed chamber containing a piston or diaphragm. When the washing machine valve closes and pressure spikes, the piston moves within the chamber, compressing against air or gas. This movement absorbs the force of the pressure surge and prevents it from rebounding through the water line and plumbing system.
In simple terms, a water hammer arrestor works by acting as a shock absorber for your plumbing system. By controlling pressure spikes caused by sudden shut-off of washing machine valves, it reduces noise, protects valves and fittings, and extends the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing system.
Why Install a Water Hammer Arrestor?
Installing a water hammer arrestor is not just about stopping the annoying noise; it also protects your entire plumbing system from long-term damage caused by repeated pressure shocks. Arrestors absorb the shock of sudden water change before it turns into vibration, keeping pipes quiet and preventing movement inside walls.
Another important reason to install a water hammer arrestor is to extend the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing system. Common household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and ice makers rely on quick shut-off valves that are sensitive to pressure spikes. Constant exposure to water hammer can cause these valves, connected fittings and pipes to fail prematurely, leading to costly repairs or early replacement.
In addition to this, installing a water hammer arrestor is inexpensive compared to repairing damaged valves, leaking fittings or burst hoses. For homeowners who are looking to renew their plumbing system, the cost of a easy installed water hammer arrestor is worthwhile compared to the potential expense of water damage repairs.
Do I need a water hammer arrestor for a washing machine?
In most modern homes, the answer is yes, you do need a water hammer arrestor for your washing machine. While older washers filled slowly and shut off water more gradually, today’s high-efficiency washing machines use fast–closing valves that stop water flow almost instantly, and this is what causes water hammer.
Signs You Need a Water Hammer Arrestor
If you started to hear loud banging or knocking noises every time your washing machine turns on or off, that’s a classic sign of a water hammer. These noises occur when high-pressure water abruptly stops or changes direction inside the pipes. Other indicators you might notice include:
- Vibrating or rattling pipes: When water is forced to stop suddenly, pipes may shake or shatter along the walls.
- Leaks or drips near fittings: water hammer can loosen and damage joints and connections, causing minor leaks that may worsen if not repaired accordingly.
- Frequent appliance issues: A washer water hammer arrestor can protect your washing machine’s valves and internal components from the stress caused by repeated water hammers.
Hot Water vs Cold Water: Which Line Needs an Arrestor?
Another common question you might encounter is whether you need an arrestor on both supply lines. In practice, water hammer often occurs on the cold water side, which is due to the higher pressure carried in cold water lines. Although some homeowners install a washer hammer arrestor on the cold water line only, it is still recommended to install arrestors on both hot and cold lines for maximum protection.
To sum up, if your washing machine is modern, produces banging noises when filling stops, or experiences other potential symptoms of water hammer, installing a water hammer arrestor for the washing machine is strongly recommended. It’s a small investment but helps prevent costly repairs down the road.
Conclusion
A water hammer arrestor for a washing machine is more than just a noise-reducing device; it’s an essential safeguard for your plumbing system and appliances against the damaging effects of sudden water pressure surges. Installing a water hammer arrestor helps prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your home’s plumbing. If you already noticed rattling pipes or minor leaks around your appliances, then it’s a must for your system.
For homeowners or plumbers looking for reliable and affordable solutions, PlumbingSell offers a wide range of high-quality water hammer arrestors for various appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers and more. Investing in a hammer arrestor is a small upfront cost that pays off in long-term savings and reliable plumbing system performance.
