Water hammer arresters are devices that are installed in water lines to help control the effects of water hammer. Water hammer is a condition that can occur when there is a sudden change in the flow of water, such as when a valve is closed quickly. This can cause a pressure wave to travel through the pipe, which can damage pipes and fixtures, and cause noise.
Where Should Water Hammer Arrestors Be Installed
Water hammer arrestors should be installed as close to the fixtures or appliances that are causing the problem as possible. This will help to minimize the amount of pressure that is transmitted through the system. In some cases, it may be necessary to install more than one water hammer arrester in a system.
It is also important to choose the right size water hammer arrestor for your system. If the unit is too small, it will not be effective. If the unit is too large, it can cause problems with the water pressure in your system.
If you are not sure where to install the arrestor, you can contact a plumber or contractor who can help you determine the best location.
How to Size a Water Hammer Arrestor
The size of the water hammer arrestor will depend on the size of the system and the amount of pressure that is expected. A larger system will require a larger arrester. The following formula can be used to help determine the size of the water hammer arrestor that is needed:
- P = 0.5 * V^2 * C
P is the maximum pressure in pounds per square inch (psi).
V is the velocity of the water in feet per second (fps).
C is the constant of the water hammer arrestor.
The constant will vary depending on the type of water hammer arrestor that you choose. For example, a brass water hammer arrestor has a constant of 0.5, while a plastic water hammer arrestor has a constant of 0.75.
Once you have determined the size of the water hammer arrestor that you need, you can choose the right model for your system. There are a variety of different types and sizes of water hammer arresters available on the market.
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor
Installing a water hammer arrester is relatively simple. Most models come with instructions that will walk you through the process. In general, you will need to:
- Turn off the water to your system.
- Cut the pipe where you want to install the arrestor.
- Install the arrester in the pipe, making sure that it is pointing in the right direction.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
If you have any questions about how to install a water hammer arrestor, you can contact the manufacturer or a professional contractor.
How Do Water Hammer Arrestors Work
Water hammer arrestors work by absorbing the energy from the pressure wave that is created when there is a sudden change in the flow of water. This helps to reduce the amount of pressure that is transmitted through the system and can help to prevent damage to pipes and fixtures.
When choosing a water hammer arrester, it is important to select one that is designed for the specific type of system that you have. For example, there are arrestors that are designed for use with copper pipes and arrestors that are designed for use with PVC pipes.
It is also important to choose an arrester that is the right size for your system. If the unit is too small, it will not be effective. If the unit is too large, it can cause problems with the water pressure in your system.