Sometimes, you might find that the best place to install a water hammer arrester is somewhere that doesn't provide easy access to shut-off valves or threaded connectors. In this case, you will need to purchase and install a T-shaped fitting into which your water hammer arrester can be attached. You'll need to cut into the pipe, install the fitting, and connect the arrester to the threaded outlet on the side of the fitting. Again, using plumber's tape before screwing in the arrester will help prevent leakage.

Often you will hear much more hammering and knocking noises when the household water pressure is too high. Test the water pressure with a gauge that can screw onto an exterior hose bib or behind the washing machine. If the pressure is above 75 pounds per square inch (psi), you may need to have a pressure regulator installed or, if you have a regulator, it may have gone bad and should be replaced.

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If you find that your water hammer is originating when you flush a particular toilet, you'll want to install your arrester on the water fill line, To install one there, first turn off the water by turning the football-shaped knob in the clockwise direction. Then, unscrew the line from the toilet tank, screw the water hammer arrester onto the threads at the bottom of the tank, and attach the water line to the other side of the arrester. Plumber's tape on the threads will help secure the installation.

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Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If any joints are leaking, tighten them just a bit more, using the pliers. The arresters will work at any angle, so position them however they best they work for your situation.

If you hear banging, rattling, and other odd sounds coming from inside your walls or floors, and the noises seem to coincide with flushing the toilet or running the washing machine, chances are you've got a water hammer. Water hammer occurs in water supply piping and is caused by the sudden stop or change in direction of water flow, such as when a washing machine or toilet stops filling from a quick closing valve. Usually, a water hammer does not cause any damage to plumbing, but in extreme cases, it can lead to failure in fittings or pipes.

Observe to determine what appliance or fixture seems to be causing the banging in your pipes. The most common culprits include washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and refrigerator ice makers or water dispensers. All of these appliances have solenoid valves that shut off the water instantly, unlike a faucet, which reduces the water flow until it is shut off completely.

If a water hammer arrestor doesn't fix the banging noises, there are a few other things you can try. First, make sure the pipes are secure with enough straps to prevent pipes from moving. To absorb any shock, try wrapping the pipes with foam insulation. Lastly, try turning on the taps, which can help release any existing air pockets in the pipes. If you still hear banging after this, call a plumber to ensure there is not a deeper problem at play.

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Connect the washer hoses to the water hammer arresters, taking care to make sure that you match up the hot water hose to the hot water supply. Tighten each connection carefully with the pliers.

Thread a water hammer arrester onto each water supply valve, making it hand-tight. Then, snug it up a bit more with tongue-and-groove pliers, but be careful not to overtighten.

Spirotherm, Inc. manufactures the industry leading high efficiency Spirovent® coalescing type air elimination products and its extended line of Spirotrap® dirt separators. A wholly owned subsidiary of Spiro Enterprises, Inc. , we have been developing and manufacturing products to improve water quality in the HVAC industry for almost 40 years. Sizes from 3/4” to 36” pipe, flows to over 30,000 GPM for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.

If the washing machine water supply is the culprit, then install water hammer arresters on both the hot and cold water supply lines. The easiest type to install is simple screw-on devices that fit onto the faucet spigots where the washing machine hoses are connected. There are similar devices for other types of appliances and water supplies.

High water pressure and if your pipes are copper are other reasons you might be hearing banging noises if your water hammer isn't to blame.

Water hammer arresters are simple devices that are installed within the water line to a specific fixture or appliance. Arresters absorb the shock wave created by a sudden stoppage of the water flow. Installing a water arrester on each line supplying the offending fixture (or fixtures) usually solves the problem. However, if the problem seems to be widespread, you may want to start by testing your home's water pressure to make sure it's not too high.

Shut off the valves on the washing machine hoses tightly, then disconnect the hoses from the valves. Take care that you do not lose the washers at the end of the hoses.

Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years.

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You can easily find the source of the banging/water hammer by checking any visible pipes and air chambers in the plumbing. Banging is caused by a change in water flow, so you'll be able to gauge the source of the noise from the pipes.

Protecting the investment in high efficiency boilers, chillers, and other system components requires the fluid to be distributed efficiently. Eliminating air and dirt does away with many maintenance items that have been considered routine, saves energy, and improves overall system performance and heat transfer. We support a network of factory trained sales offices across North America, each with a staff of qualified sales and application professionals who can demonstrate how Distribution Efficiency will protect those investments.

When everything looks good, turn the water back on, check for leaks, and give the toilet a flush to make sure the hammering is eliminated.

Most water hammer arresters are installed on the washing machine valves, but the instructions may recommend connecting them directly to the back of the washing machine to protect the washer hoses. The issue with installing them here is that it can make the washing machine sit farther away from the wall. If space is too tight, then connecting the arresters to the valves may be the only option.