Water hammer can happen in any plumbing system including PEX systems. However, the flexibility that PEX systems have can drastically reduce the volume of pressure surges that would happen in metallic plumbing materials.
Water hammer can occur in both copper and PEX pipes, and can become so forceful that pipes can become loose at the joints, and burst. Burst pipes, particularly in wall cavities, can cause immense damage to your house and electrical system.
Install a water hammer arrestor
If that's the case in your home, you'll need a water hammer arrestor. These devices are small air-filled pipes that screw onto tees that are soldered onto your pipes. They use a built-in piston to compress air to help reduce the shockwave created by closed valves.
Exactly where to place the hammer arrestor will depend on the actual piping arrangement. The best places are either close to the pump, isolation or check valve that is originating the hammer, or at more distant points where the pipe changes direction, for example at the top of a pump riser.
Ultra Violet UV Light Sensitivity: PEX pipes don't do well for outside plumbing, even if underground, because UV light can penetrate through the dirt and affect PEX pipes. If left outside, PEX pipes will deteriorate and become useless. These plastic pipes should not be stored exposed to the sun.
What are the disadvantages of PEX plumbing? Since it is a plastic material, rodents seem to like to chew on it. Also, it can't be used outdoors because it doesn't like the UV rays or the cold weather, as well as it can't be recycled (although you can paint the portions that are exposed to sunlight).
Cons: Fittings must be wrapped in an impermeable material before direct burial in soil. Freeze tests and pull tests show these PEX connections are more susceptible to failure; because PEX is more malleable than metal, the fitting's teeth can slide off the pipe. Higher cost compared to clamp and crimp.
PEX water arrestor is generally flexible and can be installed in any direction whether horizontally or vertically. The tee size AA PEX barb connections 1/2 in. connects with PEX pipe tubing and can be crimped or clamped for a tight seal to prevent water leaks.
This problem can be resolved by installing a water hammer arrestor or a shock absorber. The water hammer arrestor is used to prevent a burst tank and pipes, vibrations and noise. The force of the water hammer is comparable to the force of an explosion.
Higher water pressure – The internal water pressure, particularly in cold water supply pipes, is often elevated in spans of pipe located closest to the water main. Increased pressure means accelerated deterioration of the inside of the pipe and the appearance of pinhole leaks.
If you're hearing banging noises at random, even while no water is running, it's likely that there's some sediment buildup at the bottom of your water heater. If this is the case, what you're hearing is the resulting reverberations of steam bubbles coming out of that built-up sediment.
Don't Flex Your PEX: Bending Can Lead to Premature Failure | FlowGuard Gold.
Install a Water Hammer Arrestor: This device has an air-filled cylinder to absorb the impact of abrupt increases in water pressure. Most water hammer arrestors install between the shut-off valve and supply line via screw-type connectors.
Although PEX piping is far less likely to burst than copper piping, a freeze can damage the joints and still cause leaks.
A faulty toilet fill valve that doesn't close completely or a quick-closing fill valve are both possible causes of water hammer that occurs after you flush a toilet.
Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and 'shudder'.
A common cause of water hammer is high water pressure. If your pressure is running near 100 psi, then it's likely the cause of your issue. Normal pressure should be approximately 30 to 55 psi. To solve this problem, consider installing a water pressure regulator.
SharkBite Max Push-to-Connect Ball Valves have added strength and burst pressure. These valves are perfect for water shut-off, isolation, or transitioning pipe pipes, and are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe.
Because water hammer is most often caused by water pressure that's too high, the first step is to reduce the water pressure if possible.
In most cases, PEX is extremely durable and lasts up to 50 years or more. PEX piping is also less likely to crack or break than metal pipe because it does not expand and contract as much when heated and cooled.
Myth: PEX tubing has a short life span. Fact: The life span of PEX tubing can vary based on frequency of use, water quality and water temperature and has an average life expectancy of 40-50 years.
SharkBite PEX has no risk of copper traces in water from the breakdown of pipe, which has been linked to heart disease and Alzheimer's. All PEX systems are certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, so they're approved for potable water application. PEX is resistant to leaching, pitting and mineral buildup.