There are many reasons why you might get sputtering, air bubbles or foamy water every time you turn on the faucet.
Most likely the cause is air in water lines within the home. Let’s first look at how air can get into your pipes before giving you 5 simple steps on removing trapped air so we can restore consistent water flow.
How does air in water pipes get there?
There are many ways that air can get into your plumbing pipes.
After a temporary interruption to your water service, air can get into your water pipes. Did you have your water shut off recently by the municipality to install new plumbing? It is possible that air was introduced to the system after it was depressurized. Air can also be introduced to your system by maintenance work on the neighborhood’s water lines.
These air bubbles will be released from your tap when you turn the faucet. Before water begins to flow normally, it will cause hissing and spitting.
What does it sound like when air is in water pipes?
The trapped air can cause prolonged vibrating noises in the water pipes. The noise can be annoying and loud, but you can reduce the pipe noise by increasing the water velocity for a brief time.
What if your hot water lines are sputtering?
What if your hot water lines sputter while your cold water lines don’t?
If your hot water lines only sputter, then you should focus on draining your hot water tank. All hot water tanks now have a flushing system to empty them. There are a few steps to take, which the tank manual clearly outlines.
Problems caused by air in your pipes
It is unlikely that the house plumbing will be damaged by air trapped in its pipes. It is only air after all. It is common to confuse a “water hammer” with air in the pipes.
A water hammer is a pressure surge or wave that can occur in a plumbing system when a valve is closed suddenly, causing a shock wave to travel through the pipes. This can cause a knocking or banging sound, which is why it is also sometimes called “pipe banging.” Your home’s water lines can be damaged by high water pressure.
The ideal water pressure for your home’s plumbing system is between 55 and 65 pounds per square inch. An installed pressure regulator to your main water supply can help bring down the water pressure if required.
Why is it important to remove the air from water pipes?
So if trapped air in water lines may not cause serious damage why is it important to remove anyways?
Water pipes should be emptied of trapped air because it can cause several annoying problems, such as:
- Inconsistent output or spluttering faucets
- Reduced water pressure in the shower
- Water pipes sound like banging pots
- Corrosion and rust in some cases
Although trapped air is safe for your plumbing system, you don’t want to live with it.
It’s possible to fix air trapped in your water pipes by removing it yourself. This is a simple task that anyone can do in a matter of minutes.
How to get rid of air from water pipes
Follow the 5 easy steps below to remove air from your pipes and get the water flowing normally again.
1. Turn off main water valve
Turn off the water supply shutoff valve to the main water line. This will prevent any additional water from entering your pipes and allows you to drain any water remaining in your lines.
Are you having trouble finding your main water valve? Call a professional plumbing company.
2. Open all your faucets in the home
Move through your home and turn all the hot and cold water faucets on to run water.
Start with the closest faucet to the main water supply valve and work your way to the farthest faucet.
You should also drain any water-using appliances in your home. This includes your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower.
3. Flush all the toilets after faucets run dry
Wait for the faucets to stop draining water. After all the faucets have stopped running, flush all toilets in your house. Continue flushing until you run out of water.
4. Restore the main water supply
With all the water faucets left turned on, go and turn the main valve to the water supply back on. Allow the water to flow for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Turn all faucets back off
Turn off fixtures and faucets in reverse order until the first faucet that you opened is closed.
You should have eliminated any air pockets if you followed each step. If the problem continues, you may need professional plumbing services.
Call a professional plumber
You are likely to have a water hammer and not trapped air if you hear loud bangs or thumps followed by no other sounds.
Water hammer can be a more serious issue in plumbing and can cause significant damage.
In this scenario, professional assistance should be brought in.
