How You Can Deal with Airlock in Pipes

Airlock in pipes is a common issue for people with homes or buildings. When air gets trapped in the pipes, it can stop water from flowing properly, make weird noises, and even cause bigger problems if not fixed. There are different ways to solve this problem, from doing it yourself to getting help from a plumber. To fix it, you need to know why it happens and pick the right solution. Here are some proven ways to find and fix airlock problems and keep them from happening again.

Understanding Water Pressure and Airlock

Airlock happens when air gets stuck in water pipes, forming a bubble that blocks water from flowing.

This can occur if air enters the pipes during plumbing work, repairs on water mains, or when pipes are emptied for maintenance.

Air can also get in through broken valves, leaks in pipes, or if the water level in the main supply goes too low.

What Causes Airlock in Pipes

Air bubbles stuck in pipes can cause airlock, which is a common problem in plumbing. This happens when air gets trapped in the highest parts of the pipes. There are several reasons for this.

First, when plumbing is fixed or when the water is turned off, air can enter the pipes. Once the water is back on, the air can get stuck in vertical pipes or bends.

Also, when water is heated, air that was dissolved in it can come out and get trapped at the top of the pipes. Pipes that are old or have small leaks can also let air in.

When new appliances are put in or when the plumbing is changed, air can get trapped if the system is not vented properly or if the pipes are not sloped correctly.

Common Signs of Airlock in Your Plumbing

When air gets stuck in your home’s pipes, it can cause a few noticeable problems.

These signs show that there’s an airlock in the plumbing:

• When you turn on the taps, you might hear spluttering or gurgling noises. This happens because the trapped air is trying to get out.
• The water might not flow smoothly. It can come out in strong bursts and then slow down to a weak trickle.
• Some taps might not have any water coming out at all, even though other taps in the house work fine.
• The pipes might make knocking or vibrating sounds, especially when you use the taps that are having trouble.

These problems are usually worse on the upper floors because they’re farther from the main water supply.

To find out if there’s an airlock, plumbers check how water flows through different parts of the house.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to fix them quickly to avoid more problems.

Tools Needed for Fixing Airlock Issues

To fix airlock problems in pipes, you need some basic tools.

You’ll need big and small pipe wrenches to reach and turn pipes and valves. Flathead screwdrivers help open bleed valves and vents.

You’ll also need pressure gauges to check water flow, pliers to hold small parts, and PTFE tape to stop leaks. A bucket is handy to catch water, and clean rags are good for cleaning up spills.

For tougher airlock problems, you might need special tools like automatic air vents or air bleed keys. Having these tools ready makes it easier to solve airlock problems.

Safety Precautions Before Starting

Before fixing an airlock in plumbing, follow these safety steps. First, turn off the main water supply to stop any water from flowing while you work. Find all the shut-off valves so you know where they are.

Wear waterproof gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from splashes and debris. Make sure the area is bright and free of clutter to avoid accidents.

Unplug and move any electrical items near the pipes to keep them safe from water. Keep basic tools like towels and a bucket handy to catch any water spills.

Make sure you can easily reach the main water valve in case you need to stop the water quickly.

Quick Fixes for Minor Airlock Issues

If your home has airlock problems in the plumbing, you can try some simple tricks to fix them.

These tricks help get rid of air stuck in the pipes so water can flow again.

Here are some things you can do:

• Turn on several taps in the house at the same time, especially the ones upstairs, to push the air out.
• Connect a garden hose to an outside tap and flush water through the system.
• Quickly turn a tap on and off for about 30 seconds.
• Attach a hose to the problem tap and suck the air out.

These tricks either push the air out or break it into smaller parts that can move through the pipes.

If these ideas don’t work, you might need to call a plumber.

The Cold Water Tap Method

An airlock in your plumbing system occurs when trapped air prevents water from flowing through the pipes, often leaving taps running dry or sputtering. One of the simplest ways to fix this is by using the Cold Water Tap Method.

To try this technique:

1. Connect a hose between the affected tap (usually a hot water tap) and a nearby cold water tap with strong pressure.
2. Turn on the cold tap to force water through the hose and into the hot water line.
3. The pressure from the cold supply pushes the trapped air through the system and back into the tank or mains supply, clearing the blockage.
4. After a short time, turn both taps off, disconnect the hose, and test the hot tap again.

This method is quick, inexpensive, and often resolves minor airlocks without professional intervention. However, if the problem persists, it may signal a more serious plumbing issue, such as faulty valves, pump problems, or pipework design flaws, that requires a plumber’s expertise.

Using the Hot Water Method

To clear airlocks in pipes, you can use the hot water method. This method uses heat to help push out trapped air.

Step	What to Do	How Long
1	Turn the hot water tap all the way on	2-3 minutes
2	Turn off the tap and let the water cool	5 minutes
3	Do it again if needed	Until airlocks are gone

First, turn the hot water tap on high. The heat makes the pipes get a bit bigger, which helps push the air out. When the water cools, the pipes get smaller again, creating a change in pressure that can move the air. This works well in pipes that go up and down because air can get stuck there. You might need to try this a few times for really tough airlocks.

Bleeding Your Radiators Properly

Bleeding your radiators is a good way to fix airlock problems in your heating system. It helps get rid of air trapped inside the radiators.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Turn off the heating system and let the radiators cool down.
2. Find the bleed valve at the top corner of each radiator and place a container underneath it.
3. Use a radiator key to slowly turn the valve counterclockwise until you hear a hissing sound.
4. Close the valve right away when water starts coming out.

After you’re done, check the pressure gauge on the boiler. If needed, add more water to bring the pressure back to normal.

Start with the radiators on the lowest floor and work your way up because air goes to the top of the system.

The Garden Hose Technique

When air becomes trapped in your plumbing system, it can block water flow and leave taps running unevenly or not at all. A practical way to deal with this is the garden hose technique, which uses water pressure to push the trapped air out of the pipes.

1. Attach a garden hose securely to a working tap with strong water pressure (usually an outdoor cold tap).
2. Connect the other end of the hose to the tap that isn’t working properly—often a hot water tap affected by the airlock.
3. Turn on both taps, starting with the strong cold supply. The higher pressure forces water back through the pipework, pushing the trapped air out of the system.
4. Run the taps for a few minutes, then disconnect the hose and test the affected tap again.

This is simple, inexpensive, and often effective for resolving minor airlocks without professional help. That said, if the issue keeps coming back, it could point to deeper plumbing problems such as faulty valves, pump issues, or poorly designed pipe layouts, in which case calling a professional plumber is the best solution.

Fixing Airlock in Central Heating Systems

Fixing airlocks in your central heating system is important for keeping your home warm. Follow these simple steps to get rid of trapped air in your radiators:

1. Turn Off the Heating: Make sure your heating system is off and let the radiators cool down.
2. Find the Bleed Valve: Look for a small valve at the top corner of each radiator.
3. Release the Air: Use a radiator key to gently turn the valve counterclockwise. You’ll hear a hissing sound as air escapes.
4. Close the Valve: Once water starts to dribble out, close the valve quickly.

After you have bled all the radiators, check the pressure gauge on your system.

If the pressure is low, use the filling loop to add more water until it reaches the right level.

Let the system run for some hours, then check if all radiators are heating evenly.

If they are not, you might need to rebalance the system.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Sometimes, fixing plumbing issues yourself isn’t enough. Some problems need a plumber. This is true for complicated plumbing systems, like those in tall buildings or houses with lots of pipes.

Call a plumber if:

• Many sinks or showers have airlock problems at the same time. This shows a big problem.
• Air keeps getting in the pipes even after trying to fix it yourself.
• Weird noises keep coming from the pipes, which might mean something is wrong.
• The airlock happens with other problems like low water pressure or strange-colored water.

Plumbers have special tools to find and fix tough airlock issues. They can also find other problems that might cause airlocks to come back.

Dealing With Airlock in Different Types of Pipes

To fix airlock problems in pipes, you need to use different methods depending on the pipe type. Each kind of pipe needs special care so the pipes don’t get damaged.

Here are some common pipes and how to handle airlocks in them:

• Copper pipes: Tap gently along the pipe while keeping the water pressure steady. This can help move the air bubbles out.
• PVC pipes: Use bleed valves to let air out slowly. Be careful not to use too much force, or you might break the pipe joints.
• Steel pipes: These are tough and might rust. It’s best to call a professional to help with these pipes.
• Flexible plastic pipes: You can move these pipes around or lift them to send the air to places where it can escape.

Knowing how each type of pipe reacts helps you choose the right method to remove airlocks and keep the pipes safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homeowners often make mistakes when dealing with airlocks in pipes, which can make things worse or damage the plumbing.

Some common errors are using too much force when turning taps, which can break pipe joints or valves. Some people try to fix airlocks by turning up the water pressure too high, risking pipe bursts.

People also often fix the wrong thing because they don’t check for leaks or broken vents. They sometimes forget to turn off appliances before fixing pipes, letting more air in.

Another mistake is opening many taps at once without the right order, making it harder to clear the airlock. Using chemicals without knowing if they’re safe for the pipes can also lead to rust or damage.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Airlock

Seasonal changes can make airlocks in home plumbing systems worse. As temperatures change, pipes can expand or shrink, which might trap air inside.

• In winter, pipes can shrink when it gets really cold, possibly creating a vacuum that traps air.
• During spring, melting ice can change water pressure quickly, bringing air bubbles into the pipes.
• In summer, pipes might expand from the heat, and there could be more water vapor in the air.
• In autumn, the cooling of pipes can trap air when the system’s pressure changes.

Each season needs different ways to stop and fix airlocks. In winter, better pipe insulation and keeping water flowing help.

In warmer months, making sure vents work and checking the system regularly is important. Knowing these patterns helps people take care of their plumbing all year.

Cost-effective Solutions for Airlock Problems

Homeowners can fix airlock problems in pipes without spending a lot of money. One easy way is to quickly turn the tap on and off. This can move the trapped air out of the pipes.

Another cheap method is to use a garden hose. You can connect it between two taps to make a siphon. This often clears airlocks for about $10.

If these don’t work, you can try draining the whole system. Turn off the main water, then open all the taps. This doesn’t need special tools either.

For stubborn airlocks, buying a pressure gauge for $15-$20 can help. It lets you check the water pressure. This way, you can catch problems early before they become big and expensive.

Long-term Solutions for Recurring Airlock

To stop airlock problems from coming back, you need long-term solutions. Here are some ways to fix it for good:

Solution	How to Do It	Why It’s Good
Automatic Air Vent	Put it at the highest point	Lets air out all the time
System Redesign	Change pipe angles	Stops air from getting stuck
Air Separator	Place it on the main water pipe	Takes out air in the water
Maintenance Schedule	Check the system often	Finds problems early

An automatic air vent at the top lets air out by itself. Changing the pipes to the right angles keeps air from building up. An air separator on the main water pipe takes out air bubbles before they cause trouble. Regular checks help catch issues early so they can be fixed quickly.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Airlock

To stop airlocks from forming in home plumbing, it’s important to take care of your pipes and vents. Homeowners should have their plumbing checked once a year.

Look at the venting systems and how the pipes are set up. Make sure air release valves work right and that pipes are well-insulated.

It’s also good to watch the water pressure, fix any leaks quickly, and keep vents free of stuff that might block them.

You should flush your plumbing system often, especially after fixing any pipes or when the seasons change. Adding automatic air vents at the highest points in the system can help keep air from building up.

Plumbers say it’s a good idea to write down the water pressure readings and follow a regular maintenance schedule.

This way, you can spot problems before they turn into big airlocks that stop water from flowing.

Preventing Future Airlock Problems

To stop airlock problems in the future, take some simple steps.

Regularly check and upkeep your heating system. Bleed radiators every year so air doesn’t build up. Put in automatic air vents where air might get trapped to let it out before it causes trouble.

Keep an eye on the pressure in the system and check expansion tanks to make sure everything works right. Look at the boiler pressure gauge often and keep it at the right level according to what the maker says.

When you drain or refill the system, do it slowly to avoid getting air caught in the water.

Have a pro check the angles of the pipes when putting them in or fixing them to make sure the water flows well and doesn’t trap air.

Use a magnetic filter to keep the system clean from dirt, which can help stop airlock issues.