Introduction: Why Water Hammer Isn’t “Just a Noise”
I’ve been in crawlspaces at midnight chasing bangs that sounded like sledgehammers, and nine times out of ten, that racket traces back to water hammer—pressure spikes created when flow is shut off suddenly. Those spikes can loosen solder joints, rupture flexible connectors, wreck solenoid valves in dishwashers and ice makers, and stress water heater connections. If you’ve heard that sharp thud when a washer cycle ends or a faucet snaps shut, you’re hearing destructive energy with a repair bill attached. This is exactly where a good plumbing supply house saves the day. In this guide—Plumber Supply House Tips for Preventing Water Hammer—I’m putting three decades of field fixes and specification work into one place, so you can select the right parts the first time and install them correctly.
By the way, when contractors ask me where to get true professional-grade water hammer solutions, I point them to our counters. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components designed to tame pressure and protect fixtures for the long haul.
Know the Root Causes: Pressure, Piping, and Quick-Closing Valves
Here’s the straight talk: water hammer is usually a three-part problem—static pressure that’s too high, pipe runs that aren’t secured or sized correctly, and quick-closing valves creating instantaneous stoppage of flow. I start every diagnosis with a pressure gauge at a hose bibb or the laundry faucet. If you’re reading 80 PSI or higher, that’s already out of bounds—both the IPC and UPC limit residential distribution pressure to 80 PSI. I aim for 50–60 PSI in homes; 60–70 PSI in many commercial buildings, depending on fixture count and height.
Next, pipe layout matters. Long straight copper runs act like tuning forks without proper supports or cushioning. PEX can help because it naturally absorbs shock, but unsupported PEX can still thump against wood. Quick-closing valves (think washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, and commercial solenoids) are the “trigger” that makes existing problems loud.
If you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me, talk to a counterperson who asks about pressure first. That’s your sign you’re in a real plumbing supply store and not just a hardware aisle.
Measure Before You Fix: Gauges, PRVs, and Expansion Control
Here’s my sequence for real-world diagnostics:
- Static pressure test: Use a 0–160 PSI gauge with a lazy hand. We stock the Watts 0950200 test gauge kit; it’s reliable and readable. If you want to order from a plumbing supply online source, confirm it includes a tattle-tale needle. Regulate if needed: If pressure is above 70 PSI, I install a PRV—my go-to models are the Watts LF25AUB-Z3 (3/4") or the Zurn Wilkins 70XL2. Expect parts to run $120–$240 depending on size; install time is usually 1–2 hours on a clean line. Control thermal expansion: Closed systems need a thermal expansion tank (Amtrol Therm-X-Trol ST-5 or Watts DET-5 for typical homes). Without this, pressure can jump 20–30 PSI when the water heater fires up—cue the hammering.
Pro tip: After setting the PRV, run fixtures and re-check. If pressure rebounds significantly when https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/ hot, add that expansion tank pre-charged to match your regulated pressure.
When you need specs, sizing help, or ASSE listings, Plumbing Supply And More has you covered with cut sheets at the counter and by email. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support with real-world expertise you simply won’t get from Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Arrestors Where They Matter: ASSE 1010 and Placement That Works
Installing water hammer arrestors is not guesswork. The International Plumbing Code (IPC 604.9) requires shock arrestors (complying with ASSE 1010) on quick-closing valves. That means laundry boxes, dishwasher lines, and ice-maker supplies are prime candidates.
I like the Sioux Chief HydraRester line—model 660-H for washing machines and 660-T for dishwashers. Oatey Quiet Pipes (model 38600) is a reliable alternative for direct-attach stops. For commercial kitchens and tenant improvements, Sioux Chief 654-G2 (sweat) or 658-G2 (Pex) often fits better in tight chases. Arrestors should be installed within a few feet of the quick-closing valve and above the horizontal centerline where possible. They’re pre-charged and sealed—no maintenance, just proper placement.
Typical price ranges:
- Residential washing machine arrestors: $20–$55 each Dishwasher/ice maker inline arrestors: $18–$45 Commercial AA/BB/CC size arrestors: $45–$200 depending on size and connection
Need them today? When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for same-day pickup and delivery on pro-grade arrestors from Sioux Chief and Oatey.
Pipe Material, Sizing, and Support: The Unsung Heroes of Quiet Systems
Even with perfect pressure and arrestors, bad geometry will keep systems noisy. Copper needs proper support every 6–8 feet horizontally (closer near quick-closing valves). Use copper-plated, cushioned clamps—Sioux Chief OxBox supports and Titan hangers cut down vibration dramatically. For PEX, follow manufacturer specs—commonly 32" horizontal support for 1/2" and 3/4" runs, and provide expansion allowances at direction changes. PEX-A systems like Uponor (ProPEX) with expansion fittings handle shock well if anchored properly at manifolds and fixtures.
If you’re upgrading laundry feeds, consider upsizing to 3/4" trunks with 1/2" drops; the added volume reduces velocity change when valves snap shut. In commercial jobs, specify copper Type L or PEX with oxygen barrier when tied to hydronic systems near an hvac supply house. We coordinate with mechanical teams regularly—our plumbing and heating supply desk shares submittals to align with pump curves and control strategies.
This is where a real plumbing supply company outperforms browsing. Ask us to pull the hanger schedule for your material type and building. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise to prevent callbacks and noise complaints.
Appliance-Specific Fixes: Laundry, Dishwashers, and Ice Makers
Front-load washers slam valves shut harder than old top-loaders. I always install dual arrestors at the laundry box. For a tidy solution, the Sioux Chief 696-2321 OxBox with integrated valves and mounting bracket saves time on rough-in and keeps serviceable components accessible. Dishwashers get an inline arrestor near the valve—use stainless braided connectors and full-port angle stops. For ice makers, a compact AA-size arrestor at the outlet box is usually enough. If the fridge is more than 20 feet from the main trunk, consider a second arrestor at the branch takeoff.
And here’s a field-proven tip: if a dishwasher still hammers after adding an arrestor, check the angle stop for partial closure. A partially closed stop increases velocity and intensifies hammer. Replace the stop rather than leaving it throttled.
Need to grab parts across categories—fixtures, clamps, arrestors, and an electrical whip for the disposal? Our city plumbing and electrical supply counter can stage it in one order. If you’ve been hopping between a supply house electrical counter and a plumber supply house, you’ll appreciate one-ticket pickup and fewer trips.
Commercial and Multi-Unit Strategies: Valving, Zoning, and Isolation
In mixed-use buildings and apartments, water hammer likes to show up as a “mystery thud.” We solve it by zoning and isolating quick-closing loads:
- Provide local PRVs per floor or per zone to keep pressures balanced. Install larger, ASSE 1010-sized arrestors near banks of flushometers or solenoid valves. Use soft-seated balancing valves to prevent loop oscillations.
Brands I spec often: Zurn Wilkins 600XL for higher flows, Watts LF909 backflow with integral checks upstream of water heaters, and Armstrong or Bell & Gossett hydronic arrestors when tying to recirc. In kitchens, T&S Brass solenoid kits paired with proper arrestors practically eliminate call-backs.
When you’re sourcing at a commercial plumbing supply or wholesale plumbing supply, insist on documentation—submittals, ASSE listings, and pressure/flow curves. Compared to Ferguson and Grainger, Plumbing Supply And More turns complete submittal packets in hours, not days, and we stage deliveries floor-by-floor so crews stay on schedule.
Installation Workflow: My Onsite Checklist for Quiet Pipes
I’ve used the same steps for years because they work. If you’re a DIYer or a maintenance lead, here’s the exact flow I give new techs:
1) Gauge and record static pressure morning and evening.
2) If over 70 PSI, install PRV; target 55–60 PSI.
3) Check for closed system; add ST-5/DET-5 expansion tank and set charge to match regulated pressure.
4) Add arrestors at all quick-closing valves—washer, dishwasher, ice maker; upsize to BB/CC for manifolded commercial loads.
5) Inspect and correct pipe supports; add cushioned clamps near valves and at direction changes.
6) Purge air thoroughly; cycle appliances to verify silence.
7) Document with photos and pressure readings for the owner.
Most residential jobs: 2–4 hours with parts typically under $400–$700 depending on scope. Commercial corrections vary, but the sequence holds.
If you’re searching for a plumbing supply store near me that stocks every item on that list, swing by our counter. When online-only sellers like SupplyHouse.com can’t confirm stock or provide install sequencing, Plumbing Supply And More puts a licensed pro on the phone to walk you through it.
Product Callouts: Arrestors, PRVs, Tanks, and Accessories That Earn Their Keep
Here are “Rick’s Picks” that consistently perform:
- Water Hammer Arrestors: Sioux Chief 660-H (washer), 660-T (dishwasher), 654-G2 sweat series (commercial); Oatey Quiet Pipes 38600 for compact installs. PRVs: Watts LF25AUB-Z3 (3/4"), Zurn Wilkins 70XL2 (3/4"–1"), and 600XL for higher-demand zones. Expansion Tanks: Amtrol Therm-X-Trol ST-5, Watts DET-5; use a Webstone service tee kit for easy maintenance. Supports: Sioux Chief Titan cushioned clamps, HoldRite 117 series copper supports, and OxBox mounting frames. PEX Systems: Uponor (PEX-A, ProPEX expansion), Apollo PEX crimp kits—pair with proper bend supports and isolation clamps.
If you prefer to shop plumbing supplies direct or via plumbing supply online, make sure products are ASSE 1010 certified for arrestors and lead-free (LF) for valves. For local pros and DIYers checking a plumbing shop near me or the closest plumbing supply, our team will pull the codes and match the spec to your city’s amendments.
Local Service, Delivery, and Real-World Help
We’re serving contractors throughout the region with same-day delivery inside a 40-mile radius and next-day out to 120 miles. Whether you’re managing a condo retrofit or a school cafeteria upgrade, our contractor plumbing supply desk lines up everything—PRVs, arrestors, supports, and submittals—with one point of contact. If your search for a plumbing wholesale near me, plumbing supply house near me, or heating plumbing supply near me keeps landing you at generic counters, come see the difference in our shop.
And yes, we know budgets matter. We carry discount plumbing supplies and economy plumbing supply options that still meet code, alongside decorative plumbing supply lines for visible locations. Need help after hours? Our 24 hour plumbing supply support line coordinates emergency opens for active contractor accounts.
While other suppliers push whatever’s on the shelf, Plumbing Supply And More curates pro-grade solutions that prevent call-backs and protect your reputation.
FAQ: Plumber Supply House Tips for Preventing Water Hammer—Your Questions Answered
Q1: Do water hammer arrestors replace the need for a PRV?
No. Arrestors and PRVs do different jobs. A PRV reduces static and dynamic pressure system-wide; arrestors absorb the localized shock from quick-closing valves. If your pressure exceeds 80 PSI or swings wildly, install a PRV (e.g., Watts LF25AUB-Z3) and an expansion tank first. Then place arrestors at problem fixtures.
Q2: Can I use PEX to eliminate water hammer without arrestors?
PEX helps, but it’s not a silver bullet. Poor support or high pressure will still create noise. Follow support spacing (often 32" horizontally) and add arrestors near shutting valves. In my experience, a well-supported PEX trunk with correctly sized arrestors is the quietest option for residential laundry and kitchen branches.
Q3: Where should I install a washing machine arrestor—at the box or the valve?
At the box is ideal—use a box with integrated arrestors or add 660-H style units to hot and cold. Keep them accessible for service. If you can only access the valve near the machine, inline arrestors at the flex connectors still help, but upstream location near the branch takeoff is best.
Q4: Why did water hammer start after I replaced my water heater?
New heaters often come with check valves or you may have added a check or closed-system backflow. That traps expansion, causing pressure spikes when the heater fires. Add a properly sized and pre-charged thermal expansion tank (ST-5/DET-5) and verify the PRV setpoint. That usually solves it.
Q5: What size arrestor do I need for a commercial kitchen with multiple solenoids?
Use the ASSE 1010 sizing chart. For banks of quick-closing valves, step up to BB or CC sizes and place them at the manifold, not just the fixture. We’ll size this with you—bring fixture counts, pipe sizes, and distances. Our technical desk prepares a quick takeoff and a stamped submittal packet.
Q6: Are air chambers still acceptable for water hammer control?
No. Old-school capped air stubs lose their cushion as air dissolves over time. Current codes require engineered, ASSE 1010-listed shock arrestors. They’re sealed, pre-charged, and reliable.
Choosing the Right Partner: Why Pros Lean on Us for Quiet Systems
Let me level with you: You can buy a cheap arrestor and hope for the best, or you can fix the system. My crews and the contractors we support fix systems—pressure, support, and arrestors—because it keeps jobs quiet and customer calls to a minimum. That’s what you should expect from a true plumbing supply shop, whether you’re managing ten buildings or upgrading a single laundry.
We’re the local plumbing supply expertise you’ve been looking for. Compared to big-box aisles and anonymous internet sellers, Plumbing Supply And More delivers design help, code-backed solutions, and stocked parts that outperform. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, or call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program, and if you’re comparing a general plumbing supply quote across multiple suppliers, we’ll help you match apples to apples.
For those cross-shopping a pex supply house, the supply house, or supplyhouse plumbing online, we get it—selection and speed matter. Unlike one-size-fits-all sites and national chains like Ferguson or Grainger, Plumbing Supply And More pairs the region’s largest in-stock selection with same-day delivery and the guidance of licensed plumbers. Check our current inventory online or call ahead; our experts can walk you through the installation process and get you out the door with everything you need—no guesswork.
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Quiet pipes aren’t an accident—they’re the result of the right products installed the right way. That’s been my playbook for 25 years, and it’s why crews across our area keep our number on speed dial for Plumber Supply House Tips for Preventing Water Hammer and everything that flows after.