Which strategy can be employed to prevent water hammer in plumbing systems?

Using expansion tanks is a highly effective strategy to prevent water hammer in plumbing systems. Water hammer occurs when there is a sudden change in the flow of water, typically when a valve closes quickly, causing a shockwave that creates a loud banging noise.

Expansion tanks are designed to absorb the shock and cushion the flow of water, thereby reducing the pressure fluctuations that can lead to water hammer. They contain a membrane that separates air from water, allowing the tank to expand and contract as water pressure changes. This functionality helps to stabilize the entire plumbing system, minimizing the impact of rapid water movement and preventing the loud noises associated with water hammer.

In contrast, options like removing air chambers do not address the root cause of the problem effectively, and while installing pressure gauges or reinforcing pipes might help monitor or stabilize a system under certain conditions, they do not fundamentally mitigate the shock waves created by sudden valve actions. Thus, employing expansion tanks is a proactive measure that directly targets the issue of water hammer.