Dealing with sputtering faucets or water that won’t flow at all? You might have an air lock in your plumbing. An air lock occurs when air pockets get trapped in your water pipes, blocking normal water flow and causing frustrating pressure problems throughout your home.
The good news? Most air locks can be fixed without calling a plumber. In this guide, we’ll walk you through six proven methods to clear air locks from your plumbing system, explain what causes them, and help you know when it’s time to call for professional help.
What Is an Air Lock in Plumbing?
An air lock happens when air becomes trapped in your plumbing pipes, creating a blockage that prevents water from flowing properly. Think of it like a bubble stuck in a straw—the liquid can’t get past the air pocket.
Air locks most commonly occur in:
- Hot water lines (especially after water heater maintenance)
- Newly installed plumbing systems
- Heating systems with radiators or boilers
- Pipes after repairs or winterization
- Homes in areas with frequent water main work
How Air Gets Into Your Pipes
Air can enter your plumbing system through several ways:
During repairs or maintenance: When pipes are drained for repairs, air naturally fills the empty space. If the system isn’t properly bled when refilling, air pockets remain trapped.
From your water heater: Sediment buildup in water heaters can create air bubbles. When the heater cycles on, these bubbles get pushed into your hot water lines.
After water main work: Municipal water main repairs often introduce air into the system. This air travels through service lines into homes.
Low water pressure: When water pressure drops significantly (like during a water main break), air can be drawn into your plumbing through faucets or appliances.
Pump problems: Homes with well water can develop air locks when well pumps draw in air instead of water, usually indicating a problem with the pump or water level.
Looking for the best plumbers in Dallas, TX? The team at Dial One Johnson is on call and ready to help. Give us a ring at 972-388-3310 or visit us online to schedule services today.
Signs You Have an Air Lock
Recognizing air lock symptoms helps you address the problem quickly before it causes more issues.
Common Symptoms Include:
Sputtering or spitting water: Faucets release bursts of water mixed with air, creating a sputtering sound and irregular flow.
No water flow from certain faucets: Some fixtures may produce no water at all, while others work normally. This happens because the air lock is blocking flow to specific pipes.
Hot water issues only: Air locks affect hot water lines more frequently than cold because hot water systems are more complex and involve more components where air can become trapped.
Inconsistent water pressure: Water pressure fluctuates dramatically, sometimes strong and sometimes barely a trickle.
Gurgling or bubbling sounds: You might hear unusual sounds from pipes, faucets, or your water heater as trapped air moves through the system.
Banging pipes (water hammer): When air locks break free suddenly, they can cause loud banging noises in your pipes as water rushes to fill the space.
5 Ways to Break Apart an Air Lock in Plumbing
Fortunately, air lock issues can often be solved at home with a DIY fix. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable attempting your own repairs, or you’d rather not deal with the headache of troubleshooting, your local Red Oak, TX, plumbers are just a phone call away. If you’re up to tackling the issue at home, here are 5 ways to break up an air lock in your plumbing system.
1. Open All Faucets
This all-hands-on-deck approach involves opening every faucet in the home, including shower heads, and letting the water run for several minutes. The simultaneous increase in water pressure throughout your plumbing system can help break up air pockets. This method is simple, requires no tools and can help break up an air lock in a hard-to-reach area.
2. Connect a hosepipe.
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to break apart an air lock, the hosepipe method requires minimal elbow grease. Simply use a length of hosepipe to connect the problematic faucet to one that is working. Ensure a tight seal on both ends and open the problem faucet, then run the working faucet. As the hose fills with water, it will increase pressure in the air-locked faucet. As this pressure works its way down your piping, it should break apart the air lock.
Depending on the location and severity of the problem, it may take a few minutes for this method to work. Once a few minutes have passed, remove the hose and test the problem faucet. Repeat this process if necessary. If you are unable to clear the airlock, it’s time to try something else.
3. Make Do With Your Washing Machine
Harness the power of your mighty washing machine with this variation on the hosepipe method. Now, this one only works if you have an automatic washing machine that utilizes both hot and cold water connections. To try this method, turn off the valves of both water inputs and disconnect their hoses. Next, connect these two water outlets with your length of hosepipe. Turn on the hot water valve first, then the cold water valve, leaving them open for roughly 30 seconds.
This method creates an increase in pressure that should hopefully break up the air locks in your pipes. When you’re done, turn off the cold valve, then the hot one, and reconnect your washing machine.
4. The Showerhead Method
This method is slightly more involved than those previously discussed, but if you’re not having any luck thus far, it just might do the trick. Start by removing the showerhead from its pipe. Next, wrap 2–3 plastic bags around the connecting pipe to seal it off and replace the showerhead. Locate your water heater and turn off the hot water outlet.
Return to the shower and turn on both hot and cold water faucets. The plastic bag seal will create an increase in pressure, which should ideally travel back down the pipe and help bust that air lock. When done, turn off both faucets, remove the plastic bags, and reinstall the showerhead. Then, turn the hot water outlet back on at the source and check to see if the problem was solved.
5. Bleed Your Radiators
Air locks can also occur in radiators, which can create uneven heating patterns throughout the home. If you notice individual cold radiators, bleeding the system may solve the issue. To “bleed” your radiators, start by turning the heater/boiler off and waiting for all radiators to cool. Begin with the first radiator in the line and locate the radiator bleed valve (typically a small valve at the top of one side of your radiator). Place down towels or a cloth underneath it, as it might expel water. Using a radiator key, pliers, or a screwdriver, slowly open the valve by half a turn. This releases air pressure, and you’ll likely hear a hissing sound as trapped air escapes.
When the valve expels a steady stream of water instead of air or steam, the radiator is free of excess air. Tighten the valve again by half a turn and repeat this process down the line for each radiator in the home.
Best Plumbers in Dallas, TX: Dial One Johnson
If you’re unable to clear out an air lock, or if you’re ready to skip the troubleshooting and hire a professional plumber, the team at Dial One Johnson is ready to help. Our master plumbers will diagnose and repair plumbing problems right away with honest, transparent service, upfront pricing, and expert advice. Call 972-388-3310 or contact us online to get started.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.