What errors lead to water hammer in the heating system and how to avoid them

A water hammer in a heating system is a process that leads to a violation of the integrity of the structure and the likelihood of a pipe breaking. The main reason for its occurrence is a sharp pressure drop in the pipeline. It can occur due to the sudden closure of valves, the occurrence of plugs from the air or a sudden stop of the working pumping equipment.

In domestic conditions, water hammer can occur due to a rupture of the fluid flow in the pipe by a ball or slide mechanism. The danger lies in the fact that many underestimate the seriousness of the situation and ignore the process of eliminating violations in the system.

Background to the occurrence of water hammer

Signs of high blood pressure and imminent water hammer can be:

• Noises
• Characteristic loud sounds;
• Trembling
• Clicks.

The effects of water hammer

The effect of water hammer can cause emergency situations and breakdowns.

It:

• Flooding, which will cause damage to property - both in your own apartment and in the neighboring one, if an accident occurs in an apartment building;
• Damage to heating appliances and other equipment connected to the system;
• Getting thermal burns.

How to prevent water hammer?

Proper prevention of protection will help prevent the likelihood of an emergency. It is recommended to replace the shut-off valves, preferring one that has a long gap of liquid overlap in the pipes. If it becomes necessary to shut off water in the system, the actions must be performed as smoothly as possible.

As additional equipment, you can install automatic pressure regulators in the system. They will carry out smooth pressure correction without human intervention.

You can also take care of installing special dampers that soften water shocks. This equipment may collect excess fluid in the pipeline and remove it from the system. The dampers and accumulators have the appearance of a steel flask, the volume of which can reach 30 liters. Most often they are used in private homes and large cottages, as well as in large industries.

Special attention is given to the pipes of the heating system. It is proved that the use of pipes made of plastic or rubber resistant to elevated temperatures, allows you to absorb the pressure in the system and prevent the occurrence of water hammer.