How to get rid of Water Hammer

What is Water Hammer ?

Now see what is water hammer  , let us understand it with an example :-

1. Suppose water is flowing in pipe with a certain velocity. Now suppose you closed the valve instantaneously and rapidly , this will result in diminished of energy carried by the water. 

2. Then the energy given by the water will get divided between compressing the water itself , and stretching the pipe wall and frictional resistance to wave propagation. 

3. This pressure rise came out in form of series of shocks which literally sounds like a hammer blows that's why we named them water hammer . 

4. The pressure wave generated due to water hammer travels back upstream to the inlet end of the pipe and from that end the wave reverses back and surges back and forth.

5. Wave gets weaker on each successive back and forth cycle movement.  

Effects of Water Hammer

The sudden rise in pressure exerted by water on pipe material , is additive in to normal hydrostatic pressure. The pressure exerted by water hammer depends on elastic properties of the liquid and pipe material and on the magnitude and rigidity of change in velocity. This pressure rise is capable enough to rupture the pipe or damage connected equipments. 

How to get rid of Water Hammer

1. You can regulate the pressure by applying the regulator this will help in reducing the water hammer. 

2. As it caused by sudden closing of valves so try to close the valve slowly and gently.

3. While piping in house we should arranged it along with start up and shut down procedures as well.