What should be done to avoid water hammer?

Water hammer is a phenomenon typically caused by the sudden stopping or change of flow of water within a pipe. This abrupt change can generate shock waves in the plumbing system, resulting in banging noises and potential damage to pipes and fixtures.

To avoid water hammer, the most effective strategy is to open valves slowly. By allowing the water to flow gradually, you can help minimize the pressure changes in the system and prevent the sudden jolts that lead to water hammer. This approach ensures a smoother transition and maintains steady pressure, reducing the risk of shock waves forming in the pipeline.

Other methods mentioned, such as closing valves quickly or maintaining high pressure, can exacerbate the issue rather than mitigate it. Similarly, increasing pipe size may improve flow capacity but does not directly address the sudden changes in velocity that cause water hammer. Thus, slow valve operation is the best preventative measure against this situation.