Water Hammer Arrestors
When a shutoff valve, dishwasher, faucet or washer closes quickly and stops the flow, the momentum it creates shakes and pounds pipes. Watts water hammer arrestors are designed to prevent this condition by employing a cushion of air that can effectively absorb the momentum. These water hammer arrestors prevent noise and damaging effects of water hammers to the pipes, making them ideal for commercial and industrial applications. Watts water hammer arrestors feature a copper body and come with a lead free, brass built threaded adapter for easy installation in a new or existing piping system, at any desired angle.
Working Mechanism
Water develops momentum as it flows quickly through pipes. When a valve closes quickly and stops the flow, that momentum shakes and pounds pipes. Watts water hammer arrestors cure this condition with a cushion of air that absorbs the momentum. Before you install a Watts water hammer arrestor, determine which faucet or valve is causing the noise.
Standards and Approvals
Watts water hammer arrestors comply with ASSE, CSA, FM, NSF, UL, ULC, USC and WQA standards.
Installation
Depending on the piping arrangement, Watts water hammer arrestors can be positioned in various locations. Ideally, the hammer might either originate from the pump / check valve / isolation, or it might originate from the point where the pipe turns, such as at the top of a pump riser. When the branch line exceeds a length of 20 ft, additional Watts water hammer arrestors must be installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a water hammer arrestor?
When a valve closes fast and stops the flow, momentum shakes and pounds the pipes. A water hammer arrestor works by cushioning the impact with air so that the momentum is absorbed.
Can install a water hammer arrestor horizontally?
Water hammer arrestors can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between. When installing an arrestor, it is important to place it as close as possible to the valve.
Are water hammer arrestors required with PEX?
Water hammer arrestors are required on any valves where a plastic pipe is used for water distribution, which indicates that they are not required for PVC and PEX.
Will water hammer arrestors eliminate piping vibration?
Vibrations caused by shocks in the piping system may be avoided by installing a water hammer arrestor near the quick closing valve.
Will a water hammer arrestor prevent check valve slam?
Watts water hammer arrestors will absorb shock and minimise the slamming noise, while a soft seat in the check valve will ensure quiet closure.