Sioux Chief Hydra-Rester Water Hammer Arrester — 653-B
The Sioux Chief 653-B Hydra-Rester is a commercial-grade, piston-operated water hammer arrester engineered to eliminate hydraulic shock and destructive pipe vibration in residential and light commercial plumbing systems. Rated PDI Size B to protect multiple fixtures (12 to 32 fixture units), it features a maintenance-free, factory-sealed chamber with a triple O-ring piston that safely dissipates the kinetic energy spike caused by fast-closing quarter-turn taps and solenoid valves in washing machines, dishwashers, and water softeners.
Identification & Technical Guide:
Brand: Sioux Chief | MPN: 653-B | Internal Reference: FTB653B | Thread / Size: 3/4" Male NPT American Taper Thread (26.7mm OD, 14 TPI) | Capacity / Certification: PDI Size B (12–32 Fixture Units) | ASSE 1010 | Max Working Pressure: 250 PSIG (17.2 bar) | Burst Pressure: 2,900 PSIG (200 bar)
Key Features
- Multi-Fixture PDI Size B Capacity: Protects branch lines serving 12 to 32 fixture units, eliminating hydraulic shock across multiple bathrooms, kitchens, and utility feeds.
- Piston-Operated Internal Cushion: Incorporates a precision-machined POM composite piston with triple EPDM O-rings, providing permanent air-cushion separation that will not waterlog like basic air chambers.
- Heavy-Duty Seamless Copper Construction: Seamless cold-drawn Type L copper barrel body withstands continuous surge spikes up to 400 PSIG (27.6 bar) and system test pressures up to 1,000 PSIG.
- Universal Multi-Angle Mounting: Factory pre-charged internal chamber allows vertical, horizontal, or inverted installation at any angle along the pipe run.
Installation & Compatibility Notes
Thread Standard Notice (NPT vs BSP): This unit features a 3/4" Male NPT (National Pipe Taper) thread (~26.7mm OD, 14 TPI at 60° thread angle). When connecting to UK standard 3/4" BSP (26.4mm OD, 14 TPI at 55° thread angle) plumbing fittings or compression adaptors, you must use an approved 3/4" NPT to 3/4" BSP thread adaptor or suitable thread sealant to avoid thread galling or weeping.
Fitting Advice & Positioning: Install on the supply branch as close as practically possible to the fast-acting shut-off valve or solenoid (within 1.8m / 6ft of the valve). Apply PTFE thread seal tape or approved anaerobic pipe thread sealant to male NPT threads and tighten wrench-tight onto the female brass hex socket; do not apply pipe wrenches directly to the copper barrel.
Fixture Sizing Reference Guide (PDI WH-201)
Add the fixture unit ratings on the branch pipe to confirm total demand falls within 12 to 32 units:
| Fixture / Device | Unit Rating | Fixture / Device | Unit Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine (Solenoid) | 3.0 | Basin / Kitchen Sink | 1.5 |
| Dishwasher (Solenoid) | 3.0 | Bath Tap | 1.5 |
| Outside Garden Tap | 2.0 | Shower Valve | 1.0 |
| WC Toilet Cistern | 1.5 | Cold Water Header Tank | 1.5 |