How to Install a Water Hammer Device

Installing water hammer devices, also known as water hammer arresters and shock arresters, should eliminate your water hammer problem. The cause of water hammer is the sudden pressure change in the water pipes. When water is steadily flowing through the plumbing to a faucet, there is a great deal of water pressure in the pipe supplying the water. Shutting off the faucet causes a sudden change in pressure and a shock wave through the plumbing, which causes the water pipes to recoil and produce the loud, banging noise. Failure to correct the problem will eventually damage the plumbing, valves, and pipe joints, resulting in water leaks.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tee fittings
• 2 nipples
• 2 reducing female adapters with 1/4-inch size reduction
• 2 water hammer arresters
• Hacksaw, tube or pipe cutter
• Utility knife
• Felt-tipped marker
• Pipe cleaner
• Plumbing primer
• White bread
• Reamer
• Emery cloth
• Wire brush
• Solvent cement
• Propane torch
• Solder
• Small metal sheet

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Instructions

CPVC Plumbing

1. Turn the water supply off. Open the faucet or appliance water connection and drain the water left in the pipes.

2. Cut the cold- and hot-water pipes to insert the tee fittings at the fixture branch or as close to the appliance or faucet branch as possible using a hacksaw, tube or pipe cutter. Install the arresters in line with the branch supply for the faucet or appliance that causes the water hammer with no intermediate bends

3. Smooth the cut edges with a utility knife and temporarily install the tee fittings. Use a felt-tipped marker to draw a line across the fitting and onto the water line at both ends and around the edge of the joint to help you line the fitting up for quick installation after the cement has been applied. Remove the fitting. Prepare the tee fittings and water pipes with pipe cleaner and primer according to manufacturer's recommendations and local plumbing codes.

4. Affix the tees to the pipes with solvent cement. Twist the tees back and forth a little to evenly distribute the cement. Align the felt marker lines. Hold the tee fitting and pipe ends in place for a few minutes to allow the cement to set.

5. Install the nipples in the tee fittings with solvent-weld. Connect the reducing female adapters to the nipples.

6. Install the threaded end of an arrester by hand into each reducing female adapter. Use two wrenches, one placed on the adapter and one placed on the arrester, and tighten the arrester.

Copper Plumbing

1. Turn the water supply off. Open the faucet or appliance water connection and drain the water left in the pipes.

2. Cut the cold- and hot-water pipes to insert the tee fittings at the fixture branch or as close to the appliance or faucet connection as possible using a hacksaw, tube or pipe cutter. Install the arresters in line with the branch supply for the faucet or appliance that causes the water hammer with no intermediate bends

3. Check that the copper pipes are dry before application of flux. Place pieces of white bread in the pipes to soak up residual moisture. Smooth the edges of the pipes with a reamer, emery cloth and wire brush.

4. Install the copper tee fittings, making sure the pipe ends are firmly in place. Heat the pipe evenly with a propane torch, then apply the solder in a continuous bead. Hold a small metal sheet behind the pipe if there is drywall or some other surface that could be damaged by heat.

5. Install the nipples in the tee fittings and solder them in place. Connect the reducing female adapters to the nipples.

6. Install the threaded end of an arrester by hand into each reducing female adapter. Use two wrenches, one placed on the adapter and one placed on the arrester, and tighten the arrester.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tee fittings, nipples and reducing female adapters made of the same material.

• A licensed plumbing professional can determine the size of your water hammer arrester.

• Ventilate the area well while working with cement or solder. Wear protective eye wear, gloves and a respirator.

References

• Creative Homeowner: Projects Online: Installing Shock Arresters
• SimplifyDIY.com: How to Cure Water Hammer: Pressure Restrictor