A water hammer happens when there is too much pressure in the water line and the water flow has suddenly stopped or been redirected. It is a common issue in residential plumbing appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. Water hammers can be noticed easily as they create annoying banging noises. But it’s important to keep in mind that the noise is not the water hammer’s only impact; it can cause leaks and even burst pipes in your home.
Water hammer might sound like a serious and hard-to-solve issue, but in fact, you can solve it yourself as long as you have the right supply. Installing a water hammer arrestor is one of the easiest solutions for this issue. DIY water hammer arrestor installation might sound challenging, but in fact, it is not that difficult. Installing a water hammer arrestor will help absorb the shock caused by water flow changes and control the water hammer. Check out PlumbingSell to get a suitable plumbing supply for your projects.
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What is Water Hammer?
Water hammer is a phenomenon that can occur in all kinds of plumbing systems that use valves to control the water flow. When the valves are used to shut off the water flow quickly, the air is trapped in the plumbing system, causing a pressure surge or a shockwave. As the pressure surge cannot be absorbed by water in a short time, the change in momentum will make the water slam against the wall of the pipes. As a result, the movement of water causes a loud series of bangs; under a serious water hammer situation, you might even feel the pressure shaking the house.
A water hammer can occur when an open valve suddenly closes or the direction of the water flow is forced to change in a short time. Since water is incompressible, the impact of the water results in a shock wave inside the tubes. However, the air is easily compressed, and when you shut off the valve, the sudden pressure rise in your plumbing system can be absorbed by the water hammer arrestor and trapped inside, then slowly pushed back to control the water hammer.
What causes water hammer?
You might have experienced water hammer before, but you are wondering why it happens. Water hammer has several potential causes, we’ll help you find out the potential cause of the water hammer in your projects.
Quick-shutoff valves
One of the most common causes of water hammer is fast-acting valves. Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers or ice-makers normally come with fast-acting shut-off valves to shut off water flow quickly. When the water inside the pipes moving at high speed is forced to stop suddenly, a pressure surge is created, and that is what we hear as a water hammer. The faster the valves close, the more sudden the stop in water flow, which will end up in a more intense water hammer. This is why it’s important to get the right size water hammer arrestor for different appliances to make sure the problem can be solved.
High water pressure in the system
If your home has excessive water pressure, water will move through your pipes more forcefully. When it’s shut off suddenly, the resulting increase in pressure wave will be much more intense, leading to a higher possibility of a water hammer situation. A pressure-reducing valve can help, but in most cases, we do recommend installing a water hammer arrestor to absorb the impact of the shockwave and create a more balanced water pressure condition.
Lack of Air Chambers or Water Hammer Arrestors
Water hammers are commonly caused by trapped air inside the plumbing system. Air can be compressed easily and fill up the empty pipes within your piping application. Some plumbing applications use air chambers, which are vertical sections of pipe filled with air to act as shock absorbers. These chambers trap a pocket of air or gas that compresses when water is abruptly shut off. Therefore, they can absorb the shockwave and prevent the loud banging sound we know as water hammer.
However, over time, air chambers can fill with water and lose their effectiveness. This typically happens after long-term usage or when the system doesn’t have regular drainage or maintenance. Once those air chambers are not working properly, you may want to switch to water hammer arrestors to ensure a more effective and durable service. Water hammer arrestors don’t require additional maintenance and can last longer than air chambers. Check out EFIELD water hammer arrestors to find the best replacement for your air chambers.
How to Fix and Prevent Water Hammer
Now that you know more about water hammers, you might wonder how to fix them and if they are hard to fix. Fortunately, homeowners can usually eliminate water hammers easily without the help of a professional plumber. There are various ways to fix a water hammer; we’ll introduce the most common and easiest ones below.
Reduce Water Pressure
If your home has excessive water pressure, water will move through your pipes more forcefully. It’s advisable to check the water pressure in your home. When it’s shut off suddenly, the resulting pressure wave is much more intense, making water hammer more likely to happen. If the pressure is higher than what is recommended, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to lower the pressure. But in many cases, you’ll also need a water hammer arrestor to absorb the impact of the shockwave.
Secure Your Pipes
Sometimes the water hammer could happen because of loose pipes. Check that all pipes are suitably secured to their surroundings using sturdy fixings. Pipe straps or clamps can also provide additional support. With proper and durable fittings used to connect pipes, a more secure water line could be created for reduced movement.
Install Water Hammer Arrestors
The most effective and durable solution to eliminate water hammers is to install water hammer arrestors (also known as hammer arrestors or water arrestors). These devices are designed to absorb the shock caused by sudden water stops or redirection. When high-pressure water hits the piston inside the water hammer arrestor, the air chamber will absorb the impact and prevent the water from banging onto the pipes and fixtures.
If you are dealing with water hammers near appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. You may be wondering where a water hammer arrestor should be installed. The arrestors work best when they are installed as close as possible to the fast-acting valve, ideally on the outlet boxes. There are plenty of outlet boxes that come with water hammer arrestors, such as this EFIELD washing machine outlet box with hammer arrestors.
Water hammer arrestors are devices specifically designed to absorb the shock wave. They are also easier to install compared with air chambers, making them an effective solution for both DIY homeowners and professional plumbers. However, it is important to get the right option; check out PlumbingSell for the best option.
Conclusion
Water hammer may start only as an annoying knocking noise, but if left unsolved, it can lead to serious plumbing issues like leaks or even burst pipes. With a better understanding of its causes, from quick shut-off valves to a lack of shock-absorbing devices, you can now identify the issue and take effective steps to fix and prevent it. Whether you are a homeowner tackling the issue yourself or a plumber looking for a budget-friendly solution, installing a water hammer arrestor is one of the best options available.
With the right tools, products and installation steps, fixing a water hammer doesn’t have to be complicated and costly. Just make sure to choose the correct size of water hammer arrestors for specific appliances. Visit PlumbingSell to explore a wide selection of water hammer arrestors, fittings and other supplies to help you restore peace and safety to your plumbing system.
