Clack Hydraulic Shock During Valve Shifts

Clack water softener causes water hammer or banging pipes during regeneration.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

High inlet pressure, Rapid valve position changes, Undersized or rigid plumbing without arrestors, Loose plumbing supports

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Sudden pressure surges can damage plumbing. Consider reducing pressure if above recommended limits.

Steps:

  • Measure pressure: Use a pressure gauge to check inlet pressure. If above 80 psi, install or adjust a pressure reducing valve to bring it within recommended range.
  • Secure plumbing: Ensure pipes near the softener are properly supported and not free to move excessively.
  • Install water hammer arrestors: Add hammer arrestors near quick-closing valves or at the softener inlet/outlet if hammer persists.
  • Check valve operation: Verify that the Clack valve is not cycling abnormally fast due to control issues. If it is, inspect the control board and motor.

Tip: Soft-start features in some Clack models help reduce hammer; ensure firmware and programming are up to date if applicable.

Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
Advertisements