Overview: Outlining the various causes for the occurrence of water hammer or hydraulic shock in a pipe, this paper provides information on how to prevent or reduce water hammer. Water hammer is the momentary increase in pressure inside a pipe caused by a sudden change of direction or velocity of the liquid in the pipe. With the help of examples, the paper details the various factors that can cause a rapid change in pressure inside a pipe, and provides a simple mathematical equation for calculating the pressure inside a pipe due to water hammer. Steps that can be taken to reduce or eliminate water hammer are also listed.
