An experimental study was conducted on water hammer phenomena generated by quick valve operations in piping systems of buildings. Transient water hammer pressure waves were measured for three different types of valves, i. e. a ball valve, a solenoid valve, and on one-touch valve. The effects of flow rate and valve closing time on the maximum water hammer pressure were investigated. Based on the experimental results, general design recommendations were provided to prevent water hammer phenomena in piping systems of high-rise apartment buildings.