Sprinkler System Water Hammer

Like indoor plumbing, air trapped in the system can cause a hammering sound along the pipes and especially near the sprinkler valve. This knocking sound is called water hammer and is cured by passing the air through the piping system.

Why do I suddenly have water hammer?

Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and ‘shudder’.

How do I stop my sprinkler system from water hammering?

Clear the air to prevent water hammer from occurring

For example, when you turn on a system in the spring, first remove the furthest head on the line to allow air to bleed out. Then fill the pipes slowly with water from the main water valve to avoid trapping air.

Can a bad sprinkler valve cause water hammer?

It might be a good idea to replace the valve. Splitting valve zones is another good way to rid water hammer. If only one of the irrigation valves is causing water hammer, the easiest solution is to reduce the amount of water that valve is using. That will reduce the velocity and the water hammer should stop.

How do I bleed the air out of my sprinkler system?

Manually turn at least two of the circuit valves on. This flushes out the main pipe more quickly by opening up the pipes in front of it, which in turn forces the air out. Turn off the irrigation system after five minutes of flushing, and then restore the circuit valves to their original position.

Can a backflow preventer cause water hammer?

This surge in pres- sure, also known as a pressure spike, can cause damage or accelerate failure of system components such as backflow preventers, water heaters, pres- sure reducing valves, washing machine hoses, pipe, fixtures, and fittings. Let’s take a closer look at how and why water hammer occurs.

Do water hammer arrestors fail?

Piston-type water hammer arrestors are mechanical devices and are prone to failure without notice. Replacement intervals are impossible to predict due to variety of factors.

How do I stop my water pipes from banging?

If the loose pipes are in the walls, you may be able to eliminate the knocking noise by placing padding or foam insulation at each end where the pipe comes out of the wall.

Is water hammer normal?

Water hammer is a common plumbing problem. It’s an annoying sound, a loud “bang” that can be quite startling. And while you may want to wish it away as simply one of those harmless everyday sounds, it can eventually damage your plumbing system.

Can loose pipes cause water hammer?

Loose pipe-mounting straps

When pipes aren’t properly secured, you may hear the sound of water hammers as the movement of water and shockwaves cause them to jostle against framing and other structures in your walls, floor, and ceiling.

Can air in pipes cause water hammer?

Air chambers are vertical pipes that regulate pressure and prevent water from forming waves in the supply pipes. The most common cause of a water hammer is an air chamber with too much water in it.

Can trapped air cause water hammer?

This occurs when the water shuts off abruptly. In most cases, it causes a loud ‘bang’ followed by a whole string of gradually softening hammering noises. Air hammer is a relatively straightforward issue caused by trapped air pockets introduced into your plumbing system by the normal operation of valves and faucets.