Water Hammer

Definition

Water Hammer is the noise occurring in a water pipe when air is trapped in the pipe.

Purpose

The purpose of understanding and managing water hammer is to prevent noise and potential damage to plumbing systems caused by the sudden change in water flow.

Examples of Use

• Residential Plumbing: Common in homes where pipes make banging noises when faucets are turned off quickly.
• Commercial Buildings: Occurs in larger plumbing systems, requiring proper mitigation to avoid damage.
• Industrial Facilities: Managing water hammer is critical in processes involving high-pressure water systems.

Related Terms

• Pressure Surge: A sudden increase in pressure within a pipe, often associated with water hammer.
• Air Chamber: A device installed in plumbing to absorb shock and reduce water hammer.
• Shock Absorber: A device that dampens the effect of sudden water pressure changes in pipes.

Notes

Mitigating water hammer involves installing air chambers or shock absorbers and ensuring proper pipe installation and maintenance to prevent trapped air.