Water Hammer
Water hammer is a common plumbing issue that occurs when flowing water stops or changes direction suddenly, causing a loud banging noise in pipes. It's like when you quickly turn off a faucet and hear a bang in the walls. Plumbers need to understand this concept because it can damage pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time. This term often appears in job descriptions when employers are looking for plumbers who can diagnose and fix pipe system problems. Think of it as the "shock wave" that happens in pipes, similar to how a car suddenly braking might make passengers jerk forward.
Examples in Resumes
Diagnosed and resolved Water Hammer issues in residential plumbing systems
Installed Water Hammer arrestors in commercial building pipe networks
Conducted preventive maintenance to eliminate Water Hammer problems in multi-story buildings
Typical job title: "Plumbers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Plumbers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a plumbing system to prevent water hammer in a high-rise building?
Expected Answer: A senior plumber should discuss installing water hammer arrestors, proper pipe sizing, securing pipes correctly, and maintaining appropriate water pressure throughout the system. They should also mention the importance of proper venting and strategic placement of shut-off valves.
Q: What are the most effective solutions you've implemented for severe water hammer issues?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with various solutions like installing air chambers, pressure reducing valves, and water hammer arrestors, plus explain how they evaluate which solution is most appropriate for different situations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you diagnose the cause of water hammer in a plumbing system?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of checking water pressure, examining pipe supports, listening for the location of the noise, and identifying which fixtures or appliances trigger the problem.
Q: What are the common causes of water hammer and how do you address each one?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list causes like high water pressure, loose pipes, failed air chambers, or faulty valves, and explain the appropriate fix for each situation.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is water hammer and why is it a problem?
Expected Answer: Should explain that water hammer is a banging noise caused by sudden stops in water flow, and describe how it can damage pipes and fixtures over time.
Q: What basic tools and materials would you use to fix a water hammer problem?
Expected Answer: Should mention water hammer arrestors, pipe straps, pressure gauges, and basic plumbing tools, showing familiarity with common solutions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of water hammer causes
- Installing simple water hammer arrestors
- Basic pipe securing techniques
- Using pressure gauges
Mid (2-5 years)
- Diagnosing complex water hammer issues
- Installing various types of pressure control devices
- Implementing preventive measures
- Reading and understanding building plumbing plans
Senior (5+ years)
- Designing plumbing systems to prevent water hammer
- Solving complex water pressure problems
- Training junior plumbers
- Managing large-scale plumbing projects
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic water pressure principles
- Unfamiliar with water hammer arrestors and their installation
- Lack of experience with pressure testing equipment
- Cannot explain different causes of water hammer
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
Unified HR Experience Platforms: Transforming the Way We Work
Bad Hires Got You Down? 9 Unexpected Tactics to Turn Your Hiring Disasters Into Wins
