Does your washing machine make a loud banging noise when it stops filling or shuts off suddenly? The phenomenon is a warning sign of water hammer or hydraulic shock. A water hammer occurs when fast-moving water is forced to stop abruptly, creating a pressure shockwave that travels through your piping system. Over time, water hammers could cause loosened joints, burst pipes, and shorten the lifespan of your appliances like a washing machine or dishwasher.
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is installing a water hammer arrestor. This small device can make a big difference in your plumbing system. A washing machine water hammer arrestor helps absorb the shockwaves, protecting both your piping system and the appliances. We’ll cover the basic introduction of washer water hammer arrestors and how to install one yourself. At PlumbingSell, we offer both washing machine water hammer arrestors and washing machine outlet boxes to save you time and hassle.
Table of Contents
What Is a Water Hammer Arrestor?
A water hammer arrestor is a device designed to absorb the shock that occurs when water is suddenly stopped or redirected, commonly known as a water hammer. This shock can create loud banging noises in your pipes and eventually cause wear or tear on your plumbing system. The water hammer arrestors work by using an internal air chamber or piston that absorbs the pressure of the water. If you are not familiar with water hammer and would like to know more about why it happens and how to prevent it from happening, check out our latest article.
Water hammer is especially common with appliances that use quick-closing valves, like washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, etc. The valves of these appliances tend to shut off water flow almost instantly, creating a surge that can’t be absorbed by the piping system. That’s where a washing machine water hammer arrestor becomes a crucial part. With a washer hammer arrestor, the appliances and the plumbing system could be ensured a more durable, efficient and safe service.
Do I Need a Water Hammer Arrestor for My Washing Machine?
The short answer is yes. Installing a water hammer arrestor for your washing machine is highly recommended. Suppose you have already noticed loud banging noises when the washer stops filling or starts a new cycle. In that case, we do think it will be best to install a water hammer arrestor, as these sudden noises are highly likely to be caused by a water hammer. Over time, this pressure can damage your pipes, valves, and even the washing machine itself.
With quick shutoff valves, high-efficiency washing machines are more likely to run into issues like water hammers. If you are still thinking, “Do I need a water hammer arrestor for the washing machine?” then you should. You may not have a water hammer issue right after the washing machine installation, but over time, there are chances for this to happen, so it would be best if you could prevent this from happening from the very beginning. But don’t get over concerned, you are not alone on the washer water hammer issue, this is a widespread issue for new washing machine owners.
If you are unsure about the sizing of the washer water hammer arrestors, refer to the hammer arrestor sizing chart or simply get in touch with us with your model number and pipe size. You can also check the detailed washing machine hammer arrestors product information at PlumbingSell to find the best fit for your appliances.
Where Should a Water Hammer Arrestor Be Installed?
Water hammer arrestors are normally installed in the cold water supply lines near fixtures that are likely to cause water hammers, such as washing machines, ice makers and more. The arrestors should be installed between the cold water supply line and the shut-off valve to maximise their performance.
For a washing machine, the best place to install the water hammer arrestor is directly at the inlet valve, right where the hot and cold water supply hoses connect to the back of the washer. This placement ensures that the water shockwaves created by the rapid valve closure of valves can be absorbed immediately. If you are planning to install an outlet box for the washer, check out our washing machine outlet box with water hammer arrestors.
Proper placement and sizing are crucial for washer water hammer arrestors and any other types of plumbing fixtures’ performance. If you’ve already figured out the proper size and type of washing machine water hammer arrestors you are looking for, check out the EFIELD hammer arrestors collection to find the best fit for your projects.
Water Hammer Arrestor Installation DIY: Step-by-Step
Installing a water hammer arrestor on a washing machine is a simple and affordable DIY project, especially if you’ve got an outlet box installed. A simple device like a water hammer arrestor can protect your plumbing system from long-term damage and provide a more stable water flow. Follow these simple steps to get it done by yourself.
Step 1. Turn off the Water Supply and Disconnect the Hoses
Before you begin, turn off both hot and cold water supply valves on the washing machine and disconnect the supply line. Turning off the water prevents leaks and ensures a safe installation. Be sure to set the hoses aside and dry the working area before continuing to the next step.
Step 2. Attach the Water Hammer Arrestors
Before installing the washer water hammer arrestors, wrap a few layers of Teflon tape to create a watertight seal. Most of the water hammer arrestors are designed to be threaded onto the washing machine water supply valve; hand screw the arrestors first and sung them up a bit more with a wrench but not too overtighten.
Step 3. Reconnect the Hoses
Reconnect the supply hoses to the other end of the water hammer arrestors. Keep in mind to make sure that you match up the cold water hose to the cold water supply. Again, start by hand-tightening and finish with a wrench. Ensure both connections are secure and leak-free.
Step 4. Turn On the Water and Test
Slowly turn the water back on and check for leaks around the new connections. If any joints are leaking, tighten them just a bit more. Once everything looks good, run a short cycle on your washing machine to check for water hammer sounds.
Conclusion
Water hammer might seem like just an annoying noise, but it could lead to serious plumbing issues such as burst pipes, damaged valves and more. Installing a washing machine water hammer arrestor is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent this problem, especially with modern high-efficiency washers that prefer fast-closing valves.
At PlumbingSell, we are here to help you find the best water hammer arrestor for washing machine setups. If you are still not sure about the proper size of the water hammer arrestor, check out of combo options of washing machine outlet boxes with water hammer arrestors to make your installation even easier. Don’t wait for a water hammer to cause damage; take control today with the right tools and guidance!
