[BWLC]

If pair of water chambers were installed in your laundry room in a condo. But there is still water hammer behind dry wall when running the LG HE front load washer,
Would it help to put one more pair of mini washer arresters connected to the washer. If this may help, how to figure out what size of the mini arrester is needed?

Thanks for yr prompt reply
BC

[Mike45plus]

I think what you mean by water chamber is actually an attempt to make an air chamber - typically a length of pipe , about 12" long, with a cap on top, and connected vertically via a tee; usually located near a valve that serves a fixture or appliance of some type.
The theory was that this capped length of pipe would trap a head of air, and provide a compressible cushion to stop fluid water hammer. The problem with homemade air chambers is that the air would be absorbed rather quickly by the water, and the chamber would lose its ability to absorb the shock of water hammer. Manufactured water hammer arrestors have an air chamber, separated by a rubber diaphragm, or a balloon containing a permanent air charge, that does not allow water to come in contact with the air. The mini - arrestors that you refer to will usually work, they are available with 1/2, & 3/4 inch connections, and I believe there are some that will connect directly to the washing machine valve and hoses. If needed, you can open an adjacent wall, and install larger, baseball sized arrestors - just be sure to allow for future access with some type of panel.

[massplumber2008]

Hmmm... I'm reading the question a little differently than you, Mike.

Here, BC said, "If pair of water chambers were installed in your laundry room in a condo"...

By stating that the water hammer arrestors are in the laundry room I'm guessing that there is already a pair of "manufactured" water hammer arrestors and I'm guessing that one of them has failed and simply needs to replaced.

If possible I would determine which water hammer arrestor failed and simply replace it or, if they are getting on in age and one failed I might just replace both hammer arrestors now.

I would NOT add additional water hammer arrestors until I replaced the old ones... shouldn't be required if system has new ones installed.

If water hammer sounds continue after the new arrestors are in place I would open the wall and check for loose pipes... may need to be rehung properly!

Mark

[Mike45plus]

Yes, Mark, you make a good point or two, and as usual, offer good advice. I'm not really sure what a water chamber is, and offered some information to help generate discussion, and when information is shared, there is an opportunity for learning.

[massplumber2008]

Hopefully BC will return and let us know exactly what he is referring, too... definitely an unknown for now!