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If you hear a loud bang or thump every time your washing machine valve shuts off, your dishwasher finishes filling, or you turn off a faucet quickly — that’s water hammer. It’s not just annoying; over time it stresses pipe joints, loosens connections, and can cause failures. A $15–$25 arrestor installed on the supply line eliminates it entirely. Here’s what to buy.
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Chief 660-GT Washing Machine Arrestor | Best for Washing Machines | ~$18 |
| Watts Series 15M1 Water Hammer Arrestor | Best Overall | ~$22 |
| SharkBite 22632A Water Hammer Arrestor | Best Easy Install | ~$25 |
Best for Washing Machines: Sioux Chief 660-GT
Washing machines are the most common source of water hammer because their solenoid valves shut off almost instantaneously at full flow. The Sioux Chief 660-GT is specifically sized and rated for washing machine supply lines — it screws directly onto the hot and cold supply ports on the wall valve and has a standard 3/4″ GHT female connection for the hose. Install two (one hot, one cold) for complete elimination.
- ✅ Designed specifically for washing machines
- ✅ Screws directly to wall valve — no tools
- ✅ Sealed piston design — maintenance-free
- ✅ Rated for up to 250 PSI
- ❌ Only for 3/4″ GHT washing machine connections
Best Overall: Watts Series 15M1
The Watts 15M1 is the professional standard water hammer arrestor — it’s what gets installed on commercial and residential jobs where water hammer is an issue on any supply line. The SCALD-SHIELD sealed piston never needs maintenance and is rated for 250 PSI. Available in 1/2″ and 3/4″ NPT sizes to fit any supply line location.
- ✅ Industry standard — used by professional plumbers
- ✅ 250 PSI rated
- ✅ Available in 1/2″ and 3/4″ NPT
- ✅ Maintenance-free sealed piston
- ❌ Requires sweat or NPT connection (vs. push-connect)
Best Easy Install: SharkBite Water Hammer Arrestor
SharkBite’s push-connect version of a water hammer arrestor installs without any soldering or threading — just push it onto copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe. Best for homeowners who want to install it inline on a supply branch without cutting into threaded connections.
- ✅ Push-connect — no soldering
- ✅ Works on copper, PEX, CPVC
- ✅ Can be installed anywhere on a supply line
- ❌ Higher cost than threaded versions
Where and How to Install
Install the arrestor on the supply line as close to the problem valve as possible. For a washing machine: screw the Sioux Chief directly onto the hot and cold supply valves before connecting the hoses. For other locations: install inline on the supply branch serving the problem fixture, ideally within 6 feet of the valve.
- Shut off the supply water.
- For threaded installation: wrap Teflon tape on the arrestor threads and thread into the tee or connection point.
- For SharkBite installation: cut the pipe cleanly, deburr the end, push the arrestor on.
- Turn water back on and test — the banging should be completely gone.
Plumber’s tip: If water hammer is occurring throughout the house (not just at one fixture), the cause may be high water pressure rather than a specific valve. Test your pressure first — if it’s above 80 PSI, a pressure reducing valve (PRV) may be a more effective solution than multiple arrestors.
FAQ
Do water hammer arrestors wear out?
The sealed piston design in quality arrestors (Sioux Chief, Watts) is rated for millions of cycles and essentially never wears out under normal residential use. If water hammer returns years after installing an arrestor, check your water pressure first.
Can I install a water hammer arrestor myself?
Yes — the threaded versions screw on with just Teflon tape and a wrench. The SharkBite version requires no tools at all. This is one of the easier plumbing improvements you can make.
I have an air chamber in my wall. Is that the same thing?
Air chambers (a vertical capped pipe on the supply line) were the old method — they work initially but the air gradually gets absorbed by the water and they stop working. A mechanical water hammer arrestor with a sealed piston is the modern, permanent solution.
Bottom Line
For a washing machine making the pipes bang, the Sioux Chief 660-GT is the direct fix — one on hot, one on cold, and the noise stops immediately. For other locations, the Watts 15M1 is the professional standard. Twenty-five dollars and 15 minutes ends a problem that can otherwise cause real plumbing damage over time.