What must be avoided to prevent water hammer in a piping system?

To prevent water hammer in a piping system, it's essential to ensure that pipes are supported properly. Water hammer occurs when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly, leading to shock waves that create loud banging noises in the pipes. If pipes are not supported adequately, they can move freely when water pressure changes, exacerbating the impact and noise created by these sudden changes in fluid motion. Proper support helps maintain the position of the pipes, minimizing movement and vibration, and allowing the system to absorb shocks more effectively.

Inadequate support can also lead to the pipes hitting adjacent structures or other pipes, intensifying the water hammer effect. Therefore, ensuring that pipes are secured properly is crucial for maintaining system integrity and preventing the disruptive and potentially damaging effects of water hammer.