About Water Hammer Arrestors

Water hammer arrestors—sometimes called water hammer shock arrestors or pipe hammer arrestors—are essential plumbing devices designed to protect water supply systems from sudden pressure spikes caused by water hammer. Water hammer occurs when fast-moving water is forced to stop abruptly, often due to quick-closing or quarter-turn valves found in modern fixtures like dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers. This sudden stop creates a loud banging sound and puts extreme pressure on pipes, valves, fittings, and appliances.

Installing a hammer arrestor helps prevent leaks, burst pipes, and long-term wear. This protective device absorbs energy created by pressure shock and stabilizes water flow—helping extend the life of your plumbing system and maintain quieter, smoother operation throughout your home or commercial building.

At Plumbingsell, we offer high-quality water hammer arrestors in multiple sizes and connection types, designed for both new installations and retrofit applications.

How Water Hammer Arrestors Work

A water hammer arrestor contains a sealed chamber with a lubricated piston or diaphragm. When water flow is suddenly stopped, pressure pushes the piston into the chamber, compressing the contained air or gas and absorbing the shock—much like a hydraulic cushion.

• Reduces vibration and banging noises
• Protects solder joints, press connections, threaded fittings, and appliances
• Helps maintain consistent water pressure
• Prevents long-term pipe stress and failure

Unlike outdated air chambers that lose effectiveness over time, modern water hammer arrestors maintain performance without requiring recharging or maintenance.

Where to Install Water Hammer Arrestors

For best performance, hammer arrestors should be installed as close as possible to the fixture or valve creating the shock. Common locations include:

• Washing machine supply lines
• Dishwasher water inlets
• Ice maker supply valves
• Fast-acting solenoid appliances
• Toilets with quick-close fill valves
• Near branch lines or fixture shut-off valves

Both residential and commercial systems benefit from installation—especially when using PEX, press systems, or other modern plumbing components where pressure speed increases.

Available Types and Connection Styles

Plumbingsell carries multiple models to match different plumbing layouts and pipe materials. Options include:

• Compression-type water hammer arrestors for fixture shut-off valves
• Push-to-connect models for fast installation without tools
• PEX crimp and expansion connection arrestors
• Threaded and sweat (copper) connection arrestors

Whether you're working with copper, PEX, CPVC, or mixed plumbing systems, we offer compatible solutions designed for long-term reliability.

Benefits of Installing a Water Hammer Arrestor

• Eliminates loud banging and vibration in plumbing lines
• Protects fittings, valves, water heaters, appliances, and supply lines
• Reduces long-term maintenance and costly plumbing repairs
• Provides reliable performance with no required servicing
• Suitable for both remodel work and new construction

Homeowners, builders, and plumbers rely on these devices to keep water systems running quietly and securely.

Shop Water Hammer Arrestors at Plumbingsell

If you're dealing with pipe noise, vibration, or pressure shock, upgrading to a properly-sized water hammer arrestor is one of the most effective solutions. Whether you're replacing an existing part or installing one for the first time, Plumbingsell offers high-quality, code-approved options compatible with nearly every plumbing system.

Explore our selection of water hammer arrestors and shock protection products today—built for performance, durability, and peace of mind.