Water hammer happens when water is moving through pipes and is suddenly stopped. It is like when you are running and someone puts their hands in front of you suddenly, and you bump into them. The water bumping into a closed valve or a sudden change in direction creates a banging sound and can damage the pipes over time. It's like if you hit the same spot on a wall over and over again with a hammer - eventually, it will break or get damaged. To prevent water hammer, you can install devices like air chambers or water hammer arrestors that absorb the shock of the water and help prevent damage to the pipes. Think of it like a cushion or shock absorber in a car that helps to prevent damage when you hit a bump in the road.