Frequently Asked Questions
- Home
- /
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Heil2o Water Solutions
Answers About Water Hammer Mitigation and Surge Suppression Technology
Municipal water systems face ongoing challenges related to pressure fluctuations, water hammer events, aging infrastructure, and rising maintenance costs. Understanding how surge suppression technology works and how it can benefit a water distribution system is an important part of protecting critical infrastructure investments.
Heil2o Water Solutions has spent more than 35 years helping municipalities address water hammer problems through proven surge suppression technology. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from city officials, utility managers, engineers, public works departments, and infrastructure professionals.
If you do not see your question listed, our team is available 24 hours a day to provide additional information and technical guidance.
General Questions
What is a water hammer?
A water hammer is a hydraulic shock wave that occurs when water flow changes suddenly within a pressurized pipeline. These rapid pressure fluctuations create surge waves that travel throughout the system and can place significant stress on infrastructure components.
What causes a water hammer?
Water hammer can be caused by a variety of operational events, including:
- Pump startups and shutdowns
- Rapid valve closures
- Hydrant operation
- Sudden demand changes
- Power outages
- Emergency shutdowns
- Maintenance procedures
- Equipment malfunctions
Any event that causes water flow to stop, start, or change direction quickly can generate a pressure surge.
Why is a water hammer a problem?
Repeated pressure surges can damage water distribution infrastructure over time. The resulting stress may contribute to:
- Water main breaks
- Valve failures
- Hydrant damage
- Joint separation
- Pipeline leaks
- Increased maintenance costs
- Service interruptions
- Reduced infrastructure lifespan
Are pressure surges common in municipal water systems?
Yes. Pressure fluctuations occur regularly in virtually all water distribution systems. While some surges are minor, repeated or severe pressure events can create long-term infrastructure challenges.
Surge Suppression Questions
What is a water surge suppressor?
A water surge suppressor is a device designed to help absorb and reduce pressure fluctuations within a water distribution system. By mitigating the effects of water hammer, surge suppressors help protect infrastructure from excessive hydraulic stress.
How do surge suppressors work?
Surge suppressors help manage and dissipate pressure wave energy generated during water hammer events. This reduces the intensity of pressure spikes and helps prevent those surges from causing widespread system stress.
What infrastructure can benefit from surge suppression?
Surge suppression technology helps protect:
- Water mains
- Distribution pipelines
- Valves
- Fire hydrants
- Mechanical equipment
- Pipe joints
- Fittings
- Utility infrastructure
Can surge suppression reduce water main breaks?
Municipalities have reported significant reductions in water main breaks after implementing surge suppression devices. One published customer testimonial from Palos Hills, Illinois reported that annual breaks were reduced by nearly half after installing Heil2O suppressors in key locations.
Is surge suppression a preventative solution?
Yes. Surge suppression is designed to proactively reduce infrastructure stress before damage occurs rather than simply addressing failures after they happen.
Heil2o Water Solutions Questions
How long has Heil2o Water Solutions been in business?
The company’s expertise in water hammer mitigation dates back to 1973. Heil2o has operated as a family-owned company since 1993 and has spent more than 35 years developing and refining surge suppression technology.
What makes Heil2o different from other surge suppression companies?
Heil2O Solutions focuses specifically on municipal water infrastructure and water hammer mitigation. Our products have been developed through decades of analysis, field testing, prototyping, installation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Does Heil2o have patented technology?
Yes. Heil2O Solutions has developed patented technology related to surge suppression and water hammer mitigation. A dedicated patent showcase section on the website highlights these innovations and demonstrates the company’s commitment to infrastructure protection.
Who are your typical customers?
Our products are primarily used by:
- Municipal water departments
- County utility systems
- Water authorities
- Public works departments
- Engineering firms
- Infrastructure contractors
- Utility operators
Do you serve customers nationwide?
Yes. Heil2O Solutions serves municipalities and utilities throughout the United States and is planning future expansion into Canada.
Product Questions
What products does Heil2o currently offer?
Heil2o Water Solutions currently offers three hydrant-mounted surge suppressor models:
Hydrant-Mount 2.5″
Price: $1,400
Hydrant-Mount 4.0″
Price: $1,500
Hydrant-Mount 4.5″
Price: $1,500
Each model is designed to help mitigate pressure surges within municipal water distribution systems.
What is the difference between the available sizes?
The different models are intended to accommodate varying system requirements and infrastructure conditions. Our team can help determine the most appropriate option for your application.
Are all products hydrant-mounted?
Yes. All current Heil2O suppressors are designed as hydrant-mounted solutions, providing practical installation and integration into existing municipal infrastructure.
Can I purchase products online?
Yes. Municipalities, utilities, engineers, and infrastructure professionals can purchase products directly through the website.
Is technical support available?
Yes. Our team is available to answer product questions and provide guidance regarding surge suppression applications.
Installation Questions
Are major infrastructure modifications required?
No. One of the key advantages of the Heil2o system is its hydrant-mounted design, which helps simplify implementation and reduce disruption.
How long does installation take?
Installation requirements vary based on site conditions and municipal procedures. Contact our team for project-specific information.
Can suppressors be added to existing water systems?
Yes. Heil2O suppressors are designed for integration into existing municipal water distribution infrastructure.
Can multiple suppressors be used within a system?
Yes. Municipalities often deploy multiple units throughout their distribution networks to help address pressure surge challenges in critical locations.
Purchasing and Shipping Questions
What payment methods are accepted?
The new e-commerce platform will support:
- Major credit cards
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Is tax calculated automatically?
Yes. Automatic tax calculation will be available during checkout.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. Products are available for shipment throughout the United States.
Do you ship to Canada?
Canadian shipping is planned for a future phase. Please contact us for the latest availability information.
Can municipalities request quotes?
Yes. Municipal buyers, engineers, and procurement departments can contact Heil2O Solutions for assistance with purchasing and project planning.
Technical Questions
How long do surge suppressors last?
Product lifespan varies depending on operating conditions, usage, and system characteristics. Our products are designed for long-term municipal infrastructure applications.
Can surge suppression improve system reliability?
By reducing the impact of pressure surges, suppressors help minimize infrastructure stress and support more reliable operation.
Is surge suppression appropriate for older infrastructure?
Yes. Aging infrastructure can be particularly vulnerable to pressure surge damage, making surge suppression an important consideration for asset protection.
Why do municipalities invest in surge suppression?
Many municipalities view surge suppression as a cost-effective way to reduce maintenance expenses, prevent infrastructure failures, and extend the useful life of critical assets.
- Get in Touch
Still Have Questions?
Every water distribution system is unique. Whether you are evaluating surge suppression technology, planning infrastructure improvements, or seeking guidance on water hammer mitigation, Heil2o Water Solutions is ready to help.