Where To Install A Water Hammer Arrestor For Irrigation System

Well you probably have an air hammer happening in your system.

Where to install a water hammer arrestor for irrigation system. When you re installing a new irrigation system make sure you consider water velocity and the effect valves and sprinkler heads will have on it. Usually we install the water hammer arrestor between the shutoff valve and the incoming water supply line close to the valve. Arresters absorb the shock wave created by a sudden stoppage of the water flow. The next trick to try is installing a aa size water hammer arrester on the pipe at the shut off valve.

You can use three criteria to tell the difference between air in the pipes and water hammer. Or we may need to install a water hammer arrestor on both hot and cold water piping systems. Your local ewing store can share more maintenance solutions with you. It also discusses the difference between water hammer and air in the pipes.

Water hammer arresters are simple devices that install within the water line to a specific fixture or appliance. While these devices are seldom useful for irrigation systems they often do work with appliances because the water demand is not nearly as high as a sprinkler system. But by using caution when turning on a system you can avoid a water hammer event. When your irrigation valves turn off do your pipes make a banging noise and shake.

You can get a water hammer arrester at just about any plumbing supply store. And often you are inheriting someone else s mistakes. Unlike a new installation you can t do much about the design. Water hammer is a noisy annoying condition that can happen in sprinkler system and indoor water pipes.

The same holds true for a pre existing system. How to eliminate a water hammer in a sprinkler system. Before you install a water hammer arrestor determine which faucets or valves in your house cause the noise. A water hammer arrestor cures this condition with a cushion of air that absorbs the momentum.

If you hear the noise when the valves close if it occurs when the pump starts or if you hear rapid bumps or thumps and then silence you have water hammer. Arresters for washing machines have screw on. Installing a water arrester on each line supplying the offending fixture or fixtures usually solves the problem. This article discusses both the diagnosis of and how to fix water hammer.

Still something can be done. And by installing a water hammer arrestor and air release valves you can defuse water hammer s damaging effects and avoid costly and preventable repairs.