How to Make a Water Hammer Arrestor

A water hammer arrestor is needed to stop the disturbing, banging effect of water hammer. Water hammer is when the pipes to your faucet create the loud noise by an abrupt closing of the valves when shutting off the water to your faucet. By investing some time and proper instruction, you can make your own water hammer arrestor to prevent water hammer. Follow the instructions below to save money by making your own arrestor.

Step 1 - Shut Off Water

To prevent yourself and your floor from becoming excessively wet, it is good practice to always turn off water to the pipes you will be working on.

Step 2 - Cut Pipe To Fit

Whether your pipes are copper or plastic, you will need your hacksaw to cut the pipe and prepare it for fitting. It is important that you cut the pipe to fit the tee as close as possible to your intake valve. Once you are done cutting, dry-fit the pipe and the tee to check for accuracy. Use the pipe cleaner and the pipe primer to thoroughly clean the pipe. Any debris that is present will prevent a proper seal. Ensure that you smooth the cut edges of the pipe with a pocket knife or a utility knife to ensure a proper seal in Step 3.

Step 3 - Apply Cement

Once the pipe has been thoroughly prepared, move to a well ventilated area. You are now ready to apply the cement. Connect the pipe to the tee with the cement. Twist the pipes slightly back and forth to spread the cement evenly around the connection. To ensure the pipe remains in place, hold it until the cement sets in place.

Step 4 - Install Nipple

Once the cement has set on the pipe and the tee, you can now add the nipple to the tee. Dry fit the nipple to ensure it is the proper fit. Remove nipple and add cement to adjoin the nipple to the tee. Ensure that you twist the nipple slightly inside the tee so that the cement spreads evenly around the connection. Allow the cement to set.

Step 5 - Install Reducing Female Adapter

After the cement has set between the nipple and the tee, you may now connect the reducing female adapter to the nipple. Dry fit the adapter to the nipple for accurate fit. Apply cement to the adapter and place inside the nipple. Twist to distribute the cement evenly. Allow the cement to set.

Step 6 - Install Arrestor

When cement is set between the adapter and the nipple, you can now install the arrestor. Tighten with your hand until the arrestor is fully seated in the adapter. Once this is done, you will need to use the two pipe wrenches to tighten the arrestor and adapter to prevent any leaks.

Step 7 - Restore Water

Once the assembly is all complete, restore water and test the pipes for any hammering action.