How To Clear Air From Pipes

How to Remove Air from Water Pipes: Step-By-Step Guide

Plumbing is something a lot of us take for granted until something goes wrong! If you've started hearing strange sounds coming from your water pipes, it could indicate trapped air. These sounds vary from persistent rattling to prolonged vibrations from within your walls.

Beyond the new noises coming from your pipes, your faucets may also start exhibiting some unusual behavior. If your taps are spluttering or releasing water in an irregular stream, this can also indicate trapped air in your pipes.

Most of the time, trapped air won't cause significant damage to your plumbing. However, the repetitive knocking sounds and spluttering water can quickly get frustrating.

How Does Air Get into Water Pipes?

There are many ways air may get into your pipes. More commonly, air can get in following the installation of new pipes or alteration to your plumbing. Work like this doesn't even have to happen in your own home for it to affect your pipes. If your neighborhood has recently had plumbing work, that can also cause air bubbles to enter your household pipes.

Air bubbles may also form following repeated heating, as evaporated water cannot escape your pipes properly. Ordinarily, due to the constant flow of water through your pipes, air bubbles will rise to the top of your system. This can make them somewhat stubborn to remove, but it is a relatively simple process when you know what you are doing.

Why is it Important to Remove Air from Water Pipes?

Most of the time, the air within your water pipes will not cause significant damage to your plumbing. It is only air, after all. However, trapped air can cause irritating problems such as:

Excessive noise coming from your walls
Reduced water pressure, resulting in weaker flow (especially noticeable in showers)
Spluttering faucets or inconsistent output
Rusting and corrosion in extreme cases
And more!

It is impossible to say for certain how trapped air may affect your plumbing system specifically. That said, it is not something you want to live with. If you feel confident that you may be able to fix this issue yourself, you can follow our step-by-step guide below!

White Ceramic Sink With Stainless Steel Faucet

Turn Off Your Main Water Supply

There should be a valve or switch somewhere in your home that allows you to turn off your water supply. You need to do this first otherwise anything you do afterward is pointless. They often look circular or star-shaped and are made from metal, similar to what you would see on a garden hose.

If you can't locate your main water valve or it just will not budge when you attempt to turn it off, do not force it. You may cause more damage than you intend to, and that will only add to your problems. It may have calcified over time, which will require professional assistance.

Twist All of Your Faucets So They Run Water

Next, turn on all of your taps to allow water to flow through every faucet in your home. Make sure that you don't turn the pressure too high. You just need to make it so the water is free-flowing enough to escape, it doesn't need to be a high-pressure operation.

It is not just your faucets that need attention either. Turn on your dishwasher, shower, and washing machine too. Essentially, anything that uses water needs to be turned on. You should complete this in order of water sources closest to the main valve, ending with the furthest source.

Wait for All Faucets to Stop Running and Flush Toilets

Wait for all water sources to run dry. How long this takes depends entirely on how much water your house was holding prior to turning the main valve off. You should flush the toilets at this point too (every single one of them). Keep flushing until there is no water available.

Turn the Main Water Supply Back On

Once all your water sources have run dry, it is time to turn your main water supply back on. Once the valve is twisted, water should begin to flow through your faucets again. You should keep the water flowing for ten to fifteen minutes. Only stop once a steady stream has been achieved.

You should also flush your toilets, run your washer, and dishwasher once again. At this point, you should not hear any noises coming from your pipes. The lack of noise and a steady stream from your faucets indicate that the trapped air has been effectively removed.

Turn All Faucets Off Again in the Correct Order

Just as you turned all of your faucets on in a particular order, you must turn them off in the reverse order. Start with the faucet furthest from your water supply valve and work your way back. Once you have completed this final step, you should be done!

If the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional to take a look. Loud thumps or bangs followed by no further noise are most likely to indicate water hammer, not trapped air. This can be much more serious and will require an expert's opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Air in Water Pipes?

Air is most likely to get into your pipes when new plumbing is installed or at any point where the plumbing is exposed.

Will an Airlock Clear Itself?

It is possible, but it is unlikely that an airlock will simply fix itself. It isn't a risk worth taking, as it can cause long-term damage.

How do You Know if You Have Air in Your Water Pipes?

A few tell-tale signs include continued, fluctuating water pressure, a strange smell from the taps (commonly rotten eggs), or unusual noises coming from your pipes.

Can Air in Water Pipes Cause Damage?

Yes. Namely, it can cause them to rust and corrode prematurely, which significantly damages their integrity.

Call an Expert at All Dry USA

You are free to try this process yourself to fix your problem. It is relatively simple and with our step-by-step guide, you can't really go wrong. However, calling on an expert to take a look minimizes the risk of future problems. Trapped air may not be your only issue. A poorly stabilized pipe or elevated air pressure can be highly problematic when left unchecked.

If you are hesitant to attempt fixing your own plumbing, contact All Dry USA today. Whether you require a full callout or simply need some questions answering, we have got you covered! Our experts are eager to answer your call.

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Chief Executive Officer at All Dry USA

With Ben's knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.