Waterhamer

Waterhamer is not a standard term in engineering literature. In most cases, it appears to be a misspelling or variant spelling of water hammer, a hydraulic transient phenomenon in piping systems caused by a sudden change in fluid flow or valve position.

Water hammer, or hydraulic shock, occurs when the momentum of a moving liquid is abruptly halted, creating a pressure wave that propagates through the pipe. Common causes include rapid valve closure, pump startup or shutdown, and flow blockage. Effects can include loud banging sounds, pipe movement, joint leakage, and, in extreme cases, structural damage to supports or equipment. The magnitude of the surge depends on fluid density, flow velocity, pipe compliance, and the speed of the change in flow.

Mitigation relies on controlling transients: slow or controlled valve closures; air chambers or surge tanks; water hammer arrestors; proper pipe sizing, routing, and support; and, where appropriate, dampers or surge-reducing valves. System design and maintenance practices should address potential sources of rapid flow changes. If Waterhamer is used as a proper name, information would depend on the specific entity and requires reliable sources.