How can water hammer be prevented?

Water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when a liquid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly, creating a pressure surge or shock wave through the piping system. This can lead to various issues, such as loud banging noises, potential damage to pipes and fixtures, and even leaks.

Using air chambers or water hammer arrestors is an effective method to prevent water hammer. These devices act as shock absorbers that cushion the impact of suddenly stopped or changed flowing water, dissipating the energy that would otherwise contribute to the hammering effect. Air chambers contain air that compresses when a surge of water occurs, reducing the pressure change and allowing for smoother transitions in the flow of water. Water hammer arrestors operate on similar principles, incorporating a sealed air chamber to absorb the shock.

The other options do not directly address the cause of water hammer. For instance, installing flexible hoses might help mitigate some vibrations but won’t necessarily prevent the pressure surges that cause hammering. Increasing water temperature can affect the density and viscosity of the water but does not solve the core issue of sudden changes in water momentum. Lastly, reducing pipe diameter may lead to increased velocity of water flow and could exacerbate water hammer rather than prevent it, as higher velocities can lead to more