
- Determine Where to Install the Water Hammer Arrestor. Find the area of the system where the water hammer is occurring. ...
- Prepare to Drain the Pipes. Shut off the water supply for just the area where you will install the water hammer arrestor. ...
- Cut the Pipe. Cut through the pipe 12 inches from the valve or T pipe on the side leading to the fixture, away from the primary water ...
- Splice the Pipe. Once the water has drained, cut another 1/2 inch off each end of the pipe you cut through. ...
- Connect the Water Hammer Arrestor to the Pipes. ...
- Solder All Connections. Put on goggles and apply solder with the propane torch to all the joins of the water pipes at the T-pipe.
- Test the Water Hammer Arrestor. Turn the water supply back on and test the water hammer arrestor, while checking for any water leaks.
Where do I install a water hammer arrestor?
Indeed I'd install a water hammer arrestor on the side of equipment, valve, or device where the hammering appears to occur; Anywhere close to that point should work. Usually we install the water hammer arrestor between the shutoff valve and the incoming water supply line - close to the valve.
Can water hammer arresters damage plumbing?
Usually, water hammer does not cause any damage to plumbing, but in extreme cases it can lead to failure in fittings or pipes. Water hammer arresters are simple devices that install within the water line to a specific fixture or appliance.
How to prevent water hammer in water distribution system?
The flow velocity of the water distribution system shall be controlled to reduce the possibility of water hammer. A water hammer arrestor shall be installed where quick-closing valves are utilized. Water hammer arrestors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Water hammer arrestors shall conform to ASSE 1010.
How do you use a water arrester?
Arresters absorb the shock wave created by a sudden stoppage of the water flow. Installing a water arrester on each line supplying the offending fixture (or fixtures) usually solves the problem. However, if the problem seems to be widespread, you can start by testing your home's water pressure to make sure it's not too high.

When would you use a hammer arrestor?
Water hammer arrestors are used to absorb the shock when water flowing in a piping system suddenly stops due to fast closing shutoff valves, dishwashers, and clothes washers. This action protects against annoying and potentially damaging effects of water hammer.
How do you install a water hammer arrestor?
0:261:23How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor | SharkBite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd reconnect the supply line to the water hammer arrestor. Hand tighten and then use a wrench to aMoreAnd reconnect the supply line to the water hammer arrestor. Hand tighten and then use a wrench to a quarter turn be careful not to over-tighten. Turn. The stop valve to the open position followed.
Does every fixture need a water hammer arrestor?
Every fixture does not need a water hammer arrestor. The normal effective range of a water hammer arrestor is 20 feet. That means that any fixture connected within the 20-foot distance is protected.
Where does a shock arrestor go?
HydroGuard™ shock arrestors are best used at the point of shock and should be installed as close to the valve or piping where the shock originates from.
Do water hammer arrestors need to be installed vertically?
Water hammer arrestors can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between. The most important thing when installing an arrestor is to place it as close to the valve as possible.
Where do you put a water hammer arrestor in a kitchen sink?
If the washing machine water supply is the culprit, then install water hammer arresters on both the hot and cold water supply lines. The easiest type to install are simple screw-on devices that fit onto the faucet spigots where the washing machine hoses are connected.
Do I need water hammer arrestor on hot and cold?
Properly sized water hammer arresters should be installed on the hot and cold water supply piping to that fixture, equipment or apparatus wherein shock can be produced. A pressure reducing valve installed on the discharge side of the water meter can be most helpful in protecting the residential piping system.
Is water hammer a problem with PEX?
Water hammer can occur in both copper and PEX pipes, and can become so forceful that pipes can become loose at the joints, and burst. Burst pipes, particularly in wall cavities, can cause immense damage to your house and electrical system.
Does a dishwasher need a hammer arrestor?
Water hammer arresters are now required because they are no longer just a suggestion. Most washing machines have "quick-acting valves" on them. Water Hammer Arresters is the standard referenced in Table 1401.2.
Can a water hammer arrestor be installed anywhere?
"Water hammer arresters shall be specifically sized and have sufficient volume of air to dissipate the calculated kinetic energy generated by closing residential or commercial faucets or valves. Arresters shall be installed on both hot and cold lines on the supply stops where applicable.
Why do I suddenly have water hammer?
Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and 'shudder'.
Is there a whole house water hammer arrestor?
They are usually installed at each fixture above the valve so that there is the least amount of shock on the line; however, a whole house water arrestor can work too as long as it can absorb excess water pressure.
Can a water hammer arrestor be installed upside down?
Yes. Oatey hammer arrestors are gas filled chambers which absorb shock no matter what angle they are installed.
What happens if a water hammer arrestor doesn't work?
If an arrester doesn't eliminate the water hammer, reduce peak flow by partially closing the water-supply valves. The washer will fill more slowly but it will still fill to the right water level. If that doesn't work, consider a larger arrester or pressure reducing valves. (Hire a plumber to install those.)
Is there a whole house water hammer arrestor?
They are usually installed at each fixture above the valve so that there is the least amount of shock on the line; however, a whole house water arrestor can work too as long as it can absorb excess water pressure.
How do you stop water hammer after flushing toilet?
Water HammerTo resolve this kind of issue, you can try the following:Turn off the water supply to your home at the main. ... Flush all your toilets in your house.Allow water to drain from the open faucets for about 20 to 30 minutes.Turn on the water supply to your house at the main. ... Close all the cold-water faucets.
How do water arresters work?
Arresters absorb the shock wave created by a sudden stoppage of the water flow. Installing a water arrester on each line supplying the offending fixture (or fixtures) usually solves the problem. However, if the problem seems to be widespread, you can start by testing your home's water pressure to make sure it's not too high.
How to tighten a water supply valve?
Thread a water hammer arrester onto each water supply valve, making it hand-tight. Then, snug it up a bit more with tongue-and-groove pliers, but be careful not to overtighten.
Why does my water hammer sound like a rattling noise?
If you hear banging, rattling and other odd sounds coming from inside your walls or floors, and the noises seem to coincide with flushing the toilet or running the washing machine, chances are you've got water hammer. Water hammer occurs in water supply piping and is caused by the sudden stop or change in direction of water flow, ...
Why does my water pipe bang?
All of these appliances have solenoid valves that shut off the water instantly, unlike a faucet, which reduces the water flow until it is shut off completely.
What causes water hammer?
Water hammer occurs in water supply piping and is caused by the sudden stop or change in direction of water flow, such as when a washing machine or toilet stops filling. Usually, water hammer does not cause any damage to plumbing, but in extreme cases it can lead to failure in fittings or pipes.
Who is Aaron Stickley?
Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems.
How to connect a water hammer arrestor to a T pipe?
Connect the ends of the water pipe to the T-pipe's arms, and insert the two-inch-long copper pipe vertically into the T-pipe's outlet. Insert the base of the water hammer arrestor into the two-inch pipe, so it is vertical.
How to polish a T pipe?
Sandpaper the new ends of the pipe until they gleam and are very smooth. Use the fittings brush to polish the ends of the T-pipe, the ends of the two-inch-long pipe section and the water hammer arrestor. Brush a thin coat of solder flux paste onto the ends of the T-pipe, the cut pipe, the two-inch section and the water hammer arrestor.
Why do you need a water hammer arrestor?
You need a water hammer arrestor in your water piping system if you hear loud bangs in the pipes when you turn on the tap. The air vibrates against the pipes when water valves are closed, then opened. You can obtain all the materials you need to install a water hammer arrestor at a building or plumbing supply center.
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
How many fixtures can a water hammer arrestor handle?
Typically a smaller residential-type water hammer arrestor has 1-2 cubic inches in volume and can handle one to four plumbing fixtures. For example a Sioux-Chief 660-series water hammer arrestor contains 1.4 cubic inches.
What is a Sioux Chief 660?
A different model of water hammer arrestor (such as the Sioux-Chief 660-GTR-series arrestor) is designed for installation at water supply valves on hot or cold water piping systems - you should consider this option.
How many cubic inches are in a 650 series water hammer arrester?
The 650-series water hammer arrester is sold in six sizes (A through F) and contains from 5 to 36 cubic inches of volume.
What is the Home Reference Book?
The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Where to install water hammer arrestor?
Usually we install the water hammer arrestor between the shutoff valve and the incoming water supply line - close to the valve. Or we may need to install a water hammer arrestor on both hot and cold water piping systems.
What is an illustrated home?
The ILLUSTRATED HOME illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
What is water hammer?
The term “water hammer” is used to describe the pressure surges, noise, and destructive forces associated with the transfer of kinetic energy into the piping system due to an abrupt change in velocity of a non-compressible fluid.
How many sizes of water hammer arresters are there?
PDI developed a protocol for identifying the various sizes of water hammer arresters. There were seven different sizes of water hammer arresters developed. It was decided to identify the arrester size by a code or symbol. The size was to be based on the capacity of the arrester to control the shock wave in different piping systems. The following symbols, AA, A, B, C, D, E, and F, have been devised to denote the range in sizes for water hammer arresters. "AA"
What is fixture unit?
These fixture unit values are the common values that most engineers utilize to size their water distribution systems. These values can be used in the sizing and placement of engineered water hammer arresters at the same time that the piping systems are sized.
What is Table 2?
Table 2 will permit engineers and contractors to select the proper water hammer arrester for each application. Examples 1 and 2 show the relative ease with which sizing can be accomplished using Tables 3 and 4.
How to size a water distribution system?
Plumbing engineers are most familiar with sizing a water distribution system by use of the fixture unit method. Because this is a familiar method of sizing, PDI used this method for sizing water hammer arresters. The sizing method is quick and easy using fixture units. A water supply fixture unit is defined as a non-dimensional unit of the probability of simultaneous use of water in a plumbing water distribution system.
What is the maximum pressure of a water hammer arrester?
This table would apply to both hot and cold water. This table is based on a maximum water pressure in the branch of 55 psi. When the pressure in the branch exceeds 55 psi, the water hammer arrester should be increased by one size. For example, a "C"
Where should a water hammer arrester be located?
When long runs of piping are employed to serve a remote item of equipment, the water hammer arrester should be located as close as possible to the point of quick closure. At this location, the water hammer arrester will control the developed energy and prevent the shock wave from surging through the piping system. A typical example of placement is given in Figure 3.
Can two or more fixture valves be closed at the same time?
Nevertheless, occasionally two or more fixture valves could be closed at the same instant. Table 2 on sizing and selection takes into consideration all design factors, including simultaneous usage, pipe size, length, flow pressure and velocity. Table 2, therefore, provides an easy, accurate method of determining the proper sized water hammer arrester for each multiple fixture branch line, and automatically provides for all factors that must be considered or otherwise calculated.
What happens when a water hammer arrestor closes?
When a valve closes quickly and stops the flow, that momentum shakes and pounds pipes. A water hammer arrestor cures this condition with a cushion of air that absorbs the momentum. Before you install a water hammer arrestor, determine which faucets or valves in your house cause the noise.
What is a sliding piston?
The sliding piston absorbs sudden pressure changes and keeps the pipes from banging. If your plumbing bangs and clangs like a truckload of scrap metal, you’ve got “water hammer.”. Water develops momentum as it flows fast through pipes. When a valve closes quickly and stops the flow, that momentum shakes and pounds pipes.
How do arresters work on washing machines?
Arresters for washing machines have screw-on connections, making them as easy to attach as a garden hose. Other arresters connect directly to 1/2-in. pipe, often under sinks. You usually have to cut pipes and add tees to install them. Check the packaging for installation details.
How to stop water hammer?
Stop water hammer with easy-to-install, inexpensive arresters. Simply add them between the shut-off valve or faucet and the incoming water supply.
How to avoid last minute shopping trips?
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
How to choose the right water hammer arrestor?
Knowing how does a water hammer arrestor work is not that important. The success of these fixtures depends a lot on other factors. And the first of them is choosing the right size of water hammer arrestor.
How does a water arrestor work?
The functioning of this fixture is very simple: water pouring through a pipe pushes the piston inside the arrestor. The gas behind the piston compresses, making place for water so it doesn’t hit pipes with that loud banging noise.
Do you need a plumber to install a water hammer arrestor?
The good news is these fixtures are very easy to install. You won’t need a plumber to stop the water hammer phenomenon.
Can you ignore a water hammer?
You can choose to ignore the water hammer in your pipes, but this is not a good idea. The high pressure of water can damage pipes in time and even cause them to burst.
Can you install a water hammer arrestor in any position?
Most water hammer arrestors commercially available can be installed in any position.So, choose the spot where you can install the arrestor as easy as possible and cut a portion of the pipe.