Water hammer in irrigation system

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JoeRI

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Hi all,

Not sure if this should be posted here or in the pump forum.

Anyway, I am trying to figure out a water hammer issue I am having with my irrigation system (this is the only water hammer issue I have in my house).

I am on a well. The well pump is set to 40/60. Occasionally (not all the time) I get a water hammer during irrigation when the well pump kicks on (somewhere around 38) while a zone is running. It does not seem to coincide with any of my irrigation zone valves opening or closing. It happens while the zones are running and right around the time the well pump kicks on around 38.

It does not happen all the time. Also, when it does happen, it ranges from very mild to sometimes pretty loud.

I have no idea if this is a well pump issue or an irrigation issue (or both).

thanks for any help.
 

Reach4

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Check the air precharge. If it is above 38, drop it to 38. If it is already 38, try 37 psi. Air precharge is always checked and set when the water pressure is zero.
 

JoeRI

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Check the air precharge. If it is above 38, drop it to 38. If it is already 38, try 37 psi. Air precharge is always checked and set when the water pressure is zero.

thank you for the reply. To check the precharge, do you mean the little tire valve on the top of the well tank? If so, should I check it with a tire gauge? If I need to let air out do I do it like I would a tire? Also, do I need to drain all the water from the tank to check this?

thanks again
 

Reach4

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  1. yes
  2. yes. To compare calibration on your water pressure gauge and the air pressure gauge, not those should nearly match when the water pressure is above 45. That is a good thing to check.
  3. yes. Put the cap back on when done.
  4. If the tank is working, all water will have been drained out for the water pressure to drop to zero. There is normally a spigot at the base of your tank. That not only drains pressure, but any sediment. If you see sediment, you might want to cycle a few times.
It's not sure that air precharge is causing your symptoms. It is easy to check, and should be done periodically anyway. When people cite a recommended interval, they usually say to check annually. I don't check that often.
 

JoeRI

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Ok wil
  1. yes
  2. yes. To compare calibration on your water pressure gauge and the air pressure gauge, not those should nearly match when the water pressure is above 45. That is a good thing to check.
  3. yes. Put the cap back on when done.
  4. If the tank is working, all water will have been drained out for the water pressure to drop to zero. There is normally a spigot at the base of your tank. That not only drains pressure, but any sediment. If you see sediment, you might want to cycle a few times.
It's not sure that air precharge is causing your symptoms. It is easy to check, and should be done periodically anyway. When people cite a recommended interval, they usually say to check annually. I don't check that often.[/QUOT

ok I will look at this. Thank you
 

WorthFlorida

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JoeRI, did your resolved this issue over the weekend? Off the cuff it could be a bad bladder that failed and its working like an old non bladder pressure tank?
 

Valveman

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Sounds like there is an above ground check valve? That valve should not be there as it will cause water hammer on pump start. However, if your pump is cycling on and off while the irrigation is running or even just between zones you need to solve that problem as well.
 
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