Separate water lines with caps

[Careyj94]

Does anyone know or have an idea why there are these water lines with a separate small capped line? They are on every line in my house and I'm not sure why or if they are necessary. Maybe for flow reasons? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Reach4]

Looks like old style water hammer arrestors.

The way they work is to have air in them. The problem is that air dissolves in water with time. So the captive air sealed units are preferred now.

Do you get water hammer? Water hammer is a single bang that occurs when you turn off a valve quickly.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Careyj94]

I think I might I'm not too sure. The upstairs bathroom has been taking a minute or two to get hot and I was wondering if that had something to do with it.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

They are as Reach4 describes, air hammer arrestors. And as noted correctly the stored air under pressure is absorbed into the water. There is no real need to keep them. Better sealed air chambers can be installed on the angle stop or between the wall and angle stop if needed.

They have no relation to how long it takes to deliver water to your fixtures.

The length of time water delivery takes is a function of water pressure, the size/shape of your piping system and distance from the heat source.

 

[Careyj94]

Thank you guys for clarifying all that Information! I was concerned about keeping them. I'll keep an ear out for the water hammer and look into the valve stop sealed air chambers.