What are surage arresters not surge arresters

Are you sure it is spelled correctly ?

what are surage arresters not surge arresters

Please repost the question. Are you referring to air chambers on your water system or a back up out of the washer stand pipe? Back to you, Tom

Surage arresters on water pipes on boosted system thanks pops

Another name for "surge arresters" are "air chambers". They prevent water hammer. "Water hammer" happens when you abruptly shut off the water. You have at least 40 pounds of pressure pushing the water flow. The weight of the water hitting a 90 degree bend causes the sound that you hear. We put in air chambers to cushion the hammer much like the shocks on your car.
Back in the 60's we were required to to put air chambers on all bath lavatories and kitchen sinks. Over time water and condensate built up in them and they must be recharged. First turn off the house at the main house shut off valve. Then open hot and cold faucets at the farthest bathroom to prevent air lock.(This is important.) You will find under each fixture little brass or chrome valves. These are called angle stops. With a small pail held under the angle stop to catch the run off look under the handle of the stop and you will see a nut with the stem running through it. This is called the bonnet packing nut. Put your wrench on it and back it off counterclockwise. Now open the stop and remove the stem and washer assembly, The stop will began to drain. When it has quit draining reassemble the stop and move on to the next one. Do this on each one of your angle stops. There will be six of them in a two bath home. When you are done, close off the faucets you have opened, turn on the water to the house, and give yourself a pat on the back.
You have just recharged your air chambers and saved yourself a hefty service call bill. Hope this helps you out and thank you for rating my reply. TOM

SB, if a person can drain the entire plumbing system, would that accomplish the same thing? I realize many houses can't do that. Just curious.

Maybe, just depends where the chambers are located.

Say, you have a basement, but the main air chamber is at the meter, probably 40' away from the nearest valve. The one just above for the outdoor hose bib doesn't count.

You can't recharge that one unless the small drains are removed at the main shutoff.