Different Types of Water Hammer Arrestors for Washing Machines

A water hammer is a common phenomenon that occurs when a water flow is abruptly stopped or changed in direction. This sudden change in momentum creates a pressure surge that can result in loud banging noises, vibrations, and even damage to plumbing systems. Washing machines are particularly prone to water hammers due to their rapid on-off cycling of water flow. To mitigate this issue and protect both your washing machine and plumbing system, water hammer arrestors are employed.

Piston-Type Water Hammer Arrestor:

Piston-type water hammer arrestors are one of the most common solutions for addressing water hammers in washing machines. They consist of a cylindrical chamber with a piston or diaphragm inside. When the water flow is suddenly stopped, the piston moves against the air or gas cushion in the chamber, absorbing the pressure surge.

Advantages:

Relatively affordable and widely available.

Can handle moderate to high water flow rates.

Easy to install, typically requiring no special tools or expertise.

Suitable for both residential and commercial washing machines.

Considerations:

Limited lifespan due to wear and tear of the piston or diaphragm.

May require periodic maintenance or replacement.

Selecting the correct size is crucial to ensure effective water hammer prevention.

Air Chamber Water Hammer Arrestor:

Air chamber water hammer arrestors are simple devices that rely on air compression to absorb the pressure surge caused by water hammer. They consist of a vertical pipe installed in the plumbing system, acting as a cushion of compressed air. When the water flow is abruptly halted, the air in the chamber compresses, reducing the pressure surge.

Advantages:

Relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

No moving parts, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements.

Long lifespan if properly installed and maintained.

Suitable for low to moderate water flow rates.

Considerations:

Requires sufficient space for installation.

The air chamber may need periodic recharging if air dissipation occurs.

Less effective than other types of water hammer arrestors for high flow rates.

Mechanical Water Hammer Arrestor:

Mechanical water hammer arrestors are more complex in design but offer enhanced performance in handling water hammers. These devices use a spring-loaded piston mechanism to absorb the pressure surge, similar to piston-type arrestors. However, they incorporate additional features such as seals and cushions to provide improved shock absorption.

Advantages:

Highly effective in mitigating water hammer.

Suitable for high water flow rates and heavy-duty washing machines.

Longer lifespan compared to piston-type arrestors.

Available in various sizes to accommodate different plumbing systems.

Considerations:

More expensive than other types of water hammer arrestors.

Installation may require professional assistance.

Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Electronic Water Hammer Arrestor:

Electronic water hammer arrestors offer a modern and innovative solution to address water hammer issues. They utilize electronic sensors and control systems to detect changes in water flow and automatically adjust the valve to prevent pressure surges. These arrestors provide precise and rapid response, effectively eliminating water hammers.

Advantages:

Highly accurate and reliable in preventing water hammer.

Real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment.

Can handle high flow rates and heavy-duty washing machines.

Suitable for advanced plumbing systems.

Considerations:

Expensive compared to other types of water hammer arrestors.

Requires electrical power supply.

Installation and setup may be complex and require professional assistance.