Installation Guide
11
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOISE AND WATER HAMMER IN PEX SYSTEMS
As with all plumbing materials under some operating conditions, water hammer can occur in PEX
plumbing systems. The inherent exibility of PEX drastically reduces the magnitude of pressure
surges compared with metallic plumbing materials. Damage to plumbing components in a PEX
system due to these pressure surges is highly unlikely, although noise can sometimes result.
Fortunately, there are solutions to minimize or eliminate water hammer noise.
Clamping or strapping more frequently may help prevent tubing noise. It is very important that the
tubing not be in contact with wallboard, forced air ducts or other high resonance articles. Insufciently
Insufciently or improperly clamped or strapped tubing may move during xture operation and
hit against these surfaces.
Install a water hammer arrester on xtures where noise is a problem. A water hammer arrester in-
stalled
within 6 ft. of the xture on the cold water side only will eliminate the source of the noise (the
pressure wave). It should be noted that even with an arrester, tubing that is clamped or strapped
insufciently may still hit against something as it moves slightly when the water ow is stopped.
Avoid operating xtures in such a way that causes near instantaneous shut off. Simply closing xtures
in a less abrupt manner can eliminate hammer noise.