Where are hydraulic shock absorbers required?
Content
- Things You Should Know About Water Hammer Absorbers
- Where are hydraulic shock absorbers required?
- Why don't old-fashioned water hammer dampers work?
- Do all pipes need water hammer dampeners?
- What is water hammer?
- Types of hydraulic shock absorbers
- Installation of hydraulic shock absorbers
- Where is the ideal place to install a water hammer absorber?
- F.A.Q.
By the end of this article, you will know where to install water hammer dampers.
Knowing when and where water hammer dampers are required will help you avoid many confusing situations. These devices can absorb excess pressure created by water. Hydraulic shock absorbers are excellent protection for pipes. But you must know exactly where to install them.
As a rule, water hammer absorbers should be installed on quick-closing valves. These can be dishwashers, ice makers, washing machines or coffee machines. If a particular valve makes too much noise when you close it, installing a water hammer damper might be a good idea.
Things You Should Know About Water Hammer Absorbers
Regardless of the type of home you have, you can have many quick-closing valves. But have you ever wondered what happens when you quickly turn off the faucet?
This process is directly related to hydraulic shock absorbers.
When you close the valve, it immediately shuts off the water supply. But because of this sudden stop, the water returns to its original path. This process creates unwanted pressure, and it needs to be relieved somehow.
Otherwise, this process will damage your pipes and make unusual sounds.
To avoid all this, plumbers use water hammer absorbers. The device has a sealed chamber, polypropylene pistons and two sealing rings. These o-rings properly sealed the air chamber. Because of this, water will not get inside the air chamber. Study the image above for a better understanding.
Quick-Tip: You can place shock absorbers vertically or horizontally.
Therefore, excess pressure will be absorbed by the water hammer limiter using polypropylene pistons.
Where are hydraulic shock absorbers required?
You will need to install a water hammer damper on all of your quick closing valves and this will prevent any unusual noise. At the same time, the pipe will not be subjected to unwanted pressure. So they will last longer.
For example, use shock absorbers for faucets, washing machines, ice makers, dishwashers, coffee makers, etc.
Why don't old-fashioned water hammer dampers work?
In the past, plumbers used shock absorbers in quick-closing valves. But there was a serious problem with these water hammer absorbers. The airbox was not properly sealed. Consequently, the air chamber was covered with water in a week or two. This was a major problem in older shock absorbers.
But these devices currently come with two o-rings that can seal the air chamber. Thus, you do not have to service the shock absorber frequently.
Quick-Tip: When the air chamber was flooded, the plumbers drained the water and then filled the chamber with air. This process was carried out regularly.
Do all pipes need water hammer dampeners?
According to the NC directive, when using plastic pipes, you do not need water hammer absorbers (PEX and PVC). This is why some coffee machines and ice makers do not have water hammer protection devices.
Quick-Tip: While metal pipes are more likely to cause problems due to water hammer, some plastic pipes can also be subject to vibration. Thus, use shock absorbers whenever you need them.
What is water hammer?
The knocking sound of water pipes is known as water hammer. This situation most often occurs in quick-closing valves. The solution to this issue is the use of a hammer damper.
Types of hydraulic shock absorbers
As for shock absorbers, they are of two types.
- Shock absorbers with pistons
- Impact damper without pistons
Depending on your situation, you can choose any of them. However, a non-piston shock absorber can cause problems with the airbox. This can become a problem in the long run and the shock absorber can become obsolete.
Installation of hydraulic shock absorbers
If you hear unusual noises coming from your pipes when the valve closes, it may be time to install a water hammer dampener.
Sudden interruption of water flow can permanently damage your pipelines. Therefore, it is wise to take the necessary measures before everything falls apart.
After installing the water hammer damper, the device will absorb excess pressure in the pipe.
With that in mind, here's how to install a shock absorber in your home.
Step 1 - Gather the necessary tools
First of all, gather the following tools for a DIY home project. (1)
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Suitable shock absorber
Step 2 - Turn off the water supply
It will not be possible to connect the shock absorber while the water is flowing. So, turn off the main water supply. (2)
Do not forget: Be sure to drain any remaining water in the pipeline. Open the nearest faucet and let the water drain.
Step 3 - Disconnect the supply line
Disconnect the supply line from the valve.
Step 4 - Connect the shock absorber
Then connect the shock absorber to the valve. Use the key if necessary.
Step 5 - Connect the Supply Line
Now reconnect the supply line to the shock absorber. Use the necessary tools for this step. Finally, open the main water supply line.
If you follow the above process correctly, you will not hear clanging and clattering from your pipes.
Where is the ideal place to install a water hammer absorber?
This is the question most people ask during my plumbing projects. However, the answer is not so complicated.
You must install the shock absorber close to where the water hammer occurs. For example, I usually install shock absorbers near bends and joints. In most cases, bends and joints show signs of water hammer. Especially if the connection is bad, the joints will leak over time. Other than that, there is no specific location.
F.A.Q.
Should I use a shock arrester in a normal household?
Yes. Whatever the size of the residential piping system, it is advisable to use shock absorbers. If the pipes are dealing with excessive water pressure, they may show signs of water hammer. For example, pipes may make unusual sounds or show signs of being hit hard, and this hitting can cause a leak in your piping system.
Therefore, the installation of water hammer dampers is mandatory. This will prevent noise and shock. In addition, you will be able to use your piping system without any problems for a long time. Install shock absorbers in all quick-closing valves in your home.
Is it necessary to install a water hammer damper on plastic pipes?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. According to the NC directive, the installation of shock absorbers on plastic pipes such as PEX and PVC is not required. But keep in mind that even plastic pipes can be subject to vibration. So, installing a shock absorber on a plastic pipe is not the worst thing.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to install a water hammer absorber
- How to Stop Water Hammer in a Sprinkler System
- Is water hammer dangerous?
Recommendations
(1) DIY project - https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-home-projects/
(2) water supply - https://www.britannica.com/science/water-supply
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