What occurs when a water valve is shut off suddenly?

When a water valve is shut off suddenly, the phenomenon that occurs involves a rapid increase in pressure at that location due to the water's inertia. This situation is known as "water hammer," where the sudden stop causes a shockwave in the pipeline. The moving water generates a high-pressure spike as it collides with the closed valve. This surge can potentially lead to damage in the plumbing system, such as burst pipes or damaged fittings, if the pressure increase is significant.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for maintenance workers, as it informs them about the importance of slowly opening and closing valves to mitigate the effects of water hammer and maintain the integrity of the plumbing system.