Water hammers can be a nightmare for homeowners. This loud and unpleasant noise is caused by sudden pressure changes in your pipes and can lead to serious plumbing damage over time if not addressed.
Do you hear strange thumping noises in your water pipes? A Water Hammer Arrester is designed to solve this issue. It acts as a shock absorber for your plumbing system and can help reduce noise, protect your plumbing, and prevent leaks. Hire a professional to ensure the correct installation of the arrester.
What is a Water Hammer Arrester?
If you’ve ever wondered about those mysterious thumping sounds in your water pipes, you’ve already encountered the problem that a Water Hammer Arrester is designed to solve.
A Water Hammer Arrester is essentially a shock absorber for your plumbing system. Picture it as a safety device installed on the supply lines of water-using appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. It’s also a bit of a peacekeeper, preventing noisy, banging sounds that can startle you out of your serene home environment.
Installation of a Water Hammer Arrester should ideally be on the hot and cold water supply piping to any fixture, equipment, or apparatus where shock can be produced. Severe shock can occur in residential plumbing when excessive water pressure is involved. Properly installed hammer arrestors lessen the possibility of damaging the plumbing system.
How Does Water Hammer Arreste Work?
The process through which a Water Hammer Arrester operates is pretty straightforward and highly efficient. To understand it better, it’s necessary to dig a bit deeper into the core issue it resolves – the water hammer phenomenon.
The Cause of Water Hammer
The water hammer effect, as we mentioned, is typically caused by the sudden stoppage of fast-moving water. Correctly installed and maintained modern plumbing systems contain air chambers that soften this abrupt halt of water flow, effectively eliminating the water hammer sound. However, issues arise when these air chambers become blocked or fill up with water.
The Role of Air Chambers
Air chambers play a critical role in preventing water hammer. They are designed to provide a cushion for the force of the water, reducing the possibility of water hammer. Any blockage within these chambers or the filling up of the chambers with water can lead to the water hammer effect.
The Solution: Water Hammer Arrester
When the air chambers fail to prevent water hammer, the installation of a Water Hammer Arrester becomes necessary. This device acts as a shock absorber for your plumbing system.
Fitted on the water supply lines of water-consuming appliances, it mitigates the shock produced in the pipes, thus reducing the chances of damage to your plumbing system and keeping your home environment peaceful and free from startling sounds.
Benefits of Installing a Water Hammer Arrester
Installing a Water Hammer Arrester presents several benefits that can greatly improve the wellness of your home environment and the long-term condition of your plumbing system. The following are some of the key advantages:
- Reduction of Noise: One of the immediate benefits of installing a Water Hammer Arrester is the noticeable reduction in the noise produced by water hammer. The sudden, loud bang that accompanies the water hammer can be quite startling, and the arrester can effectively eliminate this disturbance, creating a more peaceful home environment.
- Protection of Plumbing System: Water Hammer Arresters help to mitigate the shock produced in the pipes due to the sudden stoppage of water, protecting your plumbing system from potential damage. This can extend the lifespan of your plumbing and avoid costly repairs and replacements.
- Prevention of Leaks: By mitigating the shock in the pipes, a Water Hammer Arrester can also prevent leaks from occurring. Sudden changes in water pressure can cause pipes to crack or joints to loosen, which can then lead to leaks. The use of a water hammer arrester can help prevent these issues.
- Cost-Effective: The cost of installing a Water Hammer Arrester is often significantly less than the cost of repairing or replacing damaged plumbing. By preventing potential damage to your plumbing system, it can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
What Causes Water Hammer?
Water hammer occurs primarily due to the sudden halt of swiftly moving water in your plumbing system. In an ideal scenario, modern plumbing contains air chambers that should mitigate this abrupt stop, eliminating water hammer noise. However, if these chambers become blocked or are filled with water, the water hammer effect is likely to occur.
Consequently, it’s crucial to regularly ensure that your pipes are clear and that air chambers aren’t waterlogged to avoid the jarring sounds and potential damage that can result from water hammer.
In addition to blocked air chambers, excessive water pressure can also cause the occurrence of water hammers. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the water pressure in your home is thus a good practice that can help protect your plumbing system from damage.
Also, installing check valves and shock absorbers on your supply lines can be beneficial in preventing this phenomenon. Furthermore, properly insulating pipes can help to reduce the amount of noise associated with water hammers.
When to Consider Replacing Your Air Chambers
Air chambers are a crucial part of your plumbing system designed to prevent water hammer. However, over time, these chambers can fill with water or develop blockages, reducing their effectiveness.
Knowing when to replace your air chambers can help preserve the integrity of your plumbing system and minimize the disruptive noise and potential damage caused by water hammers.
Signs of Failing Air Chambers
Several indicators might suggest that your air chambers are no longer performing as they should. You may notice an increase in pipe noise, particularly the characteristic banging sound associated with the water hammer. You may also experience vibrations in your plumbing system or see visible signs of wear, such as leaks or water damage.
The Process of Replacing Air Chambers
Replacing air chambers should be undertaken by a professional plumber. The process typically involves draining the plumbing system, removing the old air chambers, and installing new ones. Once the new air chambers are in place, the plumbing system is refilled and tested to ensure the water hammer has been resolved.
Preventive Measures
Preventive maintenance can extend the life of your air chambers and minimize the likelihood of water hammer. Regularly draining your plumbing system can help keep air chambers clear of water. Additionally, maintaining proper water pressure and installing water hammer arresters can provide an extra level of protection against water hammers.
Remember, preventive measures and timely replacements of air chambers can help in maintaining a peaceful home environment, free from startling sounds and potential plumbing damage.
Professional Installation of A Water Hammer Arrester
For the professional installation of a Water Hammer Arrester, it is crucial to hire a skilled and experienced plumber. While it might seem like a straightforward process, incorrect installation can lead to ineffective performance and even damage to your plumbing system.
Here are some reasons why professional installation is recommended:
- Expertise and Experience: Professional plumbers have the necessary training and experience to handle different plumbing systems. They understand the complexities involved in the installation process, ensuring that the arrester is correctly fitted.
- Correct Tools: A professional plumber will have the right tools and equipment necessary for the installation. This can make the process efficient and less time-consuming.
- Compliance with Building Regulations: In many areas, plumbing installations must comply with local building regulations. Professionals are aware of these rules and ensure that your installation adheres to them.
- Warranty and After-Service: With professional installation, you often receive a service warranty. This means that if any issues arise after the installation, the plumber will return to fix them without additional charges.
In conclusion
In conclusion, a water hammer can be a disruptive and potentially damaging phenomenon in your home’s plumbing system. However, with the correct implementation of modern plumbing techniques and preventive measures, you can effectively manage and even eliminate this issue.
Regular maintenance of your plumbing system, ensuring clear air chambers and the installation of a Water Hammer Arrester are all practical steps towards mitigating the effects of water hammer.
Remember, although some tasks can be performed by homeowners, the installation of devices like a Water Hammer Arrester should ideally be handled by professionals for effective and secure results.
