What is Water Hammer?

Water hammer refers to a hydraulic shock or surge in pressure that occurs when a high-velocity flow of water is abruptly halted, usually by closing a valve quickly. When water is flowing through pipes at a certain velocity, and that flow is stopped suddenly, the momentum of the moving water creates a pressure wave that travels back through the system. This pressure surge can cause loud banging noises, damage pipes, and potentially lead to failures in the plumbing system.

Understanding water hammer is important for irrigation and plumbing management, as it can affect the durability of the system and the efficiency of water distribution. The phenomenon must be properly addressed to prevent issues such as pipe rupture or valve failure, which can lead to leaks and costly repairs. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the water hammer effect. A surge in pressure while water is continuously flowing or a rapid increase in water temperature do not relate to the specifics of water hammer, and measuring water flow does not involve the sudden changes in pressure associated with this phenomenon.