6 Best Water Hammer Arrestors For Rv Plumbing Systems

That jarring “thud” rattling behind your RV walls every time a faucet closes is more than just a nuisance; it is a clear warning sign of hydraulic shock threatening your plumbing joints. Ignoring these pressure spikes can lead to pinhole leaks in crimp rings or, worse, a catastrophic failure of thin-walled PEX tubing while traveling. Investing in a quality water hammer arrestor is a low-cost insurance policy for your rig’s entire water distribution network.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Sioux Chief Hydra-Rester 660-H: Best Overall

The Sioux Chief Hydra-Rester is the gold standard for RV plumbing because it is purpose-built to handle the unique, confined pressures of mobile systems. Its stainless steel construction resists the vibrations and temperature fluctuations common in life on the road, outperforming cheaper plastic alternatives that eventually fatigue.

This model excels because it features a pressurized air chamber separated from the water supply by a durable piston, ensuring it remains effective long after standard bellows-style arrestors fail. It is the premier choice for RVers who value “install it and forget it” reliability over saving a few dollars. If reliability is the top priority for your water system, this is the only arrestor that deserves space in your utility bay.

Camco Water Hammer Arrestor (22505): Best Value

If you are looking to mitigate plumbing noise without a heavy upfront investment, the Camco 22505 is the logical starting point. It provides a straightforward, effective solution for standard RV setups that experience moderate pressure surges during kitchen sink or shower operation.

While it lacks the heavy-duty industrial finish of more expensive units, its performance is perfectly adequate for the average seasonal RV user. It bridges the gap between doing nothing and performing complex plumbing overhauls, making it the most accessible entry point for beginners. For those who need a budget-friendly solution that gets the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles, this is the definitive choice.

Watts LF150A Water Hammer Arrestor: Most Durable

The Watts LF150A is engineered for those who demand industrial-grade components in their mobile home. Featuring a lead-free brass body, this arrestor is built to withstand higher pressures and harsher environmental conditions than almost any other unit on the market.

Its robust design makes it ideal for full-timers who are constantly rotating between different campground water sources with inconsistent pressure regulation. While it carries a larger physical footprint, the trade-off in longevity and structural integrity is unmatched. Anyone living in their rig year-round should prioritize the Watts LF150A for its superior material quality and long-term resilience.

ProFlo PFWHA1-SS Mini-Rester: Best Compact Design

Tight spaces are the defining constraint of RV plumbing, and the ProFlo PFWHA1-SS is designed specifically with those cramped under-sink cabinets in mind. Its slim, “mini” profile allows for installation in areas where larger, bulky arrestors would simply be impossible to fit.

Despite its diminutive size, it remains a high-performance device that effectively dampens surge energy through a sophisticated internal diaphragm. It is the perfect problem-solver for van conversions or small travel trailers where every inch of cabinet space is accounted for. If your plumbing manifolds are tucked behind inaccessible panels or crowded by drawers, choose this compact unit to get the protection you need without the installation headache.

Oatey Quiet Pipes (39230): Best for DIY Installs

Oatey is a household name for a reason, and the Quiet Pipes 39230 simplifies the process for the weekend warrior who wants to tackle plumbing upgrades solo. It features a user-friendly design that integrates seamlessly with standard RV PEX fittings, requiring very little technical expertise to get right on the first try.

What sets this unit apart is its consistent performance right out of the box, offering a predictable solution for those who want to avoid high-priced service calls. The instructions are clear, the connection is intuitive, and the results are immediate. If you prefer to manage your own repairs and want a product that respects your time and skill level, the Oatey is the clear winner.

SharkBite Water Hammer Arrestor: Easiest to Install

The SharkBite system has revolutionized RV maintenance, and their water hammer arrestor continues that legacy by utilizing push-to-connect technology. There is no need for specialized crimp tools, soldering, or messy glue; you simply slide it onto your PEX pipe and move on with your day.

This ease of installation is a major advantage for travelers who might be performing repairs in a campground parking lot. It provides a secure, leak-proof seal instantly, saving hours of labor and frustration. For those who lack a full toolbox or specialized plumbing training, the SharkBite arrestor is the most stress-free way to protect your plumbing infrastructure.

What Is Water Hammer (And Why It’s Bad for RVs)

Water hammer occurs when a flowing column of water is forced to stop abruptly, such as when a spring-loaded faucet is closed rapidly. This creates a pressure wave that travels back through the plumbing lines, hitting fixtures, valves, and fittings with significant force.

In a residential home, the pipes are often rigid copper or steel, but RVs typically use flexible PEX tubing held together by crimped or clamped fittings. These joints are the “weakest link” and are not designed to withstand repeated hydraulic shock. Over time, this stress leads to weakened connections, leaks behind walls, and expensive water damage that can rot floorboards or ruin cabinetry.

How to Choose the Right Arrestor for Your Rig

When selecting an arrestor, prioritize the location and the space available rather than just the lowest price. A high-quality arrestor is useless if it is physically too large to fit the elbow or tee junction where it is needed most.

• Space availability: Measure the depth of your cabinet and the proximity of the pipes to the walls.
• Connection type: Determine if you need a threaded connection or a push-to-fit style for PEX.
• Pressure rating: Always choose an arrestor rated for at least 150 PSI to accommodate campground water spikes.

Where to Install Arrestors for Maximum Protection

To stop water hammer effectively, the arrestor should be installed as close to the “source” of the shock as possible. The most common offenders in an RV are the shower valve and the kitchen faucet, as these are usually the points where water flow is cut off the most quickly.

Install an arrestor on both the hot and cold water lines serving the kitchen and bathroom for complete protection. Placing them at the very beginning of the RV’s main supply line is less effective because the pressure wave has already traveled through the branch lines before reaching the device. Strategic placement at the end of the line, right behind the faucet, ensures the shock wave is neutralized before it can stress your fittings.

Water Hammer Arrestor FAQ for RV Owners

Do I need a water hammer arrestor if I have a pressure regulator? Yes, a pressure regulator manages the constant pressure coming from the campground supply, but it does nothing to stop the surge created when you close a faucet inside your RV.

How long do these devices last? Most high-quality arrestors last between 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of your water and how often the system is pressurized.

Can I install these myself? Absolutely. If you have basic access to the plumbing behind your sink or shower, most arrestors can be installed with a simple wrench or, in the case of push-to-connect models, no tools at all.

How do I know if the arrestor has failed? You will typically hear the return of the “thumping” or “banging” noise when faucets are closed, indicating the internal air chamber has lost its cushion or the piston has seized.

Preventing plumbing damage before it starts is the hallmark of a seasoned RV owner. By installing a dedicated water hammer arrestor, you safeguard your rig’s most vulnerable components and ensure your time on the road is spent enjoying the destination rather than fixing interior water leaks.