How can water hammer be prevented in plumbing systems?

Water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when a fluid in motion is suddenly forced to stop or change direction, resulting in a shock wave that creates a banging noise in the pipes. One effective way to prevent water hammer is by installing water hammer arrestors. These devices are designed to absorb the shock caused by the sudden stopping of water flow, thereby minimizing noise and potential damage to the plumbing system.

Water hammer arrestors typically contain a gas-filled cushion that compresses and expands when there is a sudden change in water flow. This cushioning effect helps dampen the pressure surge associated with water hammer, providing a more stable and quiet operation of the plumbing system.

While using larger pipes or increasing water pressure might seem beneficial, they do not effectively address the issue of water hammer. Larger pipes do not alter the fluid dynamics that cause the shock wave, and increasing water pressure can actually exacerbate the problem by creating more forceful surges. Reducing pipe length could potentially help, but it is not a reliable or standardized method to prevent water hammer and might not always be feasible in a plumbing layout. Therefore, the installation of water hammer arrestors remains the most direct and effective solution.