Water Hammering

Water Arrester – Water Hammering

“Water hammering” usually presents with a loud bang after you close a faucet. Many people confuse water hammering with unsupported pipes in new or older homes.

The key to differentiating between hammering and unsupported lines is to count the bangs and when they occur. Water hammering is a single loud “bang”, while an unsupported water line will produce a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds. Now, water hammering can also be the cause of the water pipe becoming unsupported from the consistent shudder of the pipe due to the hammering.

Water Arrester – Definition

A water arrester is a plumber installation device that can be connected to your water supply line.

The water arrester fixture looks like a copper vertical tube with an inlet and outlet. The device ties into your water supply line and works by maintaining a chamber of air inside that vertical tube.

When the flow of water is stopped abruptly by the valve supplying the fixture, the air inside the arrester acts as a cushion that compresses the flow of water so that it gradually reduces the force within the water line.

Water Arrester – Repair

If you have a water arrester already attached to your water line and you are still experiencing water hammering, it is possible that the arrester may be blocked. If that is the case, then turn off the valve located nearest to the arrester and open the fixture to alleviate the pressure in the line. The fixture will drain whatever remaining water is trapped within. Once the water has been drained the arrester will once again fill with air.

If there are no shut-off valves located on the fixture, then close your main valve and follow the same instructions.

The major issue with water hammering is not just the sound, but it is the damage it may cause in the long run. The constant strain upon the water lines could bring about the possibility of a burst pipe or fitting.

A City of Toronto licensed plumber, such as Anta Plumbing has the experience and plumbing know-how to install and repair water arresters to stop the sound of water hammering and the damage it does to your fittings and pipes. Call us today to book an appointment.