water hammer

American  

noun

1. the concussion and accompanying noise that result when a volume of water moving in a pipe suddenly stops or loses momentum.

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water hammer British  

noun

1. a sharp concussion produced when the flow of water in a pipe is suddenly blocked

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Etymology

Origin of water hammer

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

water hammer

One would be to install water hammer arresters into piping close to where the noises occur.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2020

Although it’s simple enough for a plumber to cut out a short section of copper pipe and sweat-solder a water hammer arrester into the space, cutting through walls causes a lot of follow-up work.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2020

Once you’ve fixed the problems at the washer, dishwasher and ice maker, if water hammer problems continue elsewhere, you have a few options.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2020

When a larger volume of steam is colapsed by colder water, the bang or banging is much louder and is called water hammer.

From New York Times ● Nov. 28, 2016

The "water hammer" produced by the quick acting valves of elevators has always been objectionable, both in its effect at the pumping-house and upon water mains and connections.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 392, July 7, 1883 by Various