Good water pressure is always a mood booster. But when it turns into a trickle, it can quickly turn into a sad day. And if your taps don’t have a steady water supply, we are here to make your day better.
Air in plumbing pipes is often the reason behind low water pressure. It blocks the smooth flow of water. That is why, as professional plumbers in Springfield, MO, we are here to explain low water pressure caused by an airlock and how to restore your water pressure.
What is an airlock?
Good water pressure is the continuous, uninterrupted flow of water from the source to your tap. An airlock is an interruption that pauses this flow. An airlock means that you have air trapped in your pipes. It interferes with water movement, weakening the flow and making it inconsistent.
An airlock can form during plumbing repairs, fixture replacement, or after an interruption in the municipal water supply. When you get an airlock in your plumbing, you will experience:
- Water spluttering or spitting
- A weak or inconsistent stream
- Gurgling sounds from the pipes
If you turn on your tap and see these signs instead of a stream of water, call a professional plumbing service. With their experience, they can guide you towards the perfect solution.
What are the causes of an airlock in water pipes?
Air can enter your home’s plumbing in many ways. It can happen when the water supply is shut off or when the pipes are drained. Airlocks are a common problem in homes. Let us look at all the causes of air in plumbing pipes.
1. Water supply being shut off
2. Plumbing repairs or renovations
3. Draining a water heater
4. Water supply interruptions
5. Poorly routed pipes
6. Leaks or loose connections
When you experience an airlock in your plumbing, it helps when you remember exactly what happened before the problem started. This helps the professionals know exactly how to solve your home’s plumbing issue.
Now that you know the reasons behind an airlock in your water pipe, here’s how to remove air from water pipes.
Read this comprehensive guide on “What Causes An Airlock in Drain Pipes? How To Fix An Airlock in Sink, Shower & Waste Pipes“
How to fix an airlock in a water pipe?
It’s easy to check for an airlock in water pipes. Plumbers:
- Test multiple taps throughout your home
- Listen for unusual sounds from the pipes
- Take a note of recent plumbing repairs
- Inform you of water supply interruptions
After checking and confirming the cause, professionals usually opt for one of the following methods to fix it.
1. Hosepipe
When only one pipe is faulty, professionals choose this method. They connect their hosepipe to a high-pressure water source to blast the airlock out of the affected water line. It takes 1 to 2 minutes to restore your water pressure.
2. System flush
When your entire plumbing system has low water pressure or sputtering, plumbers recommend flushing the entire plumbing grid. To do that, they will first turn off the water supply, then open every single tap in your home and flush the toilets to empty the tanks. After closing all the taps, they turn on the main water supply again to refill the lines and slowly restore water pressure.
3. Bleeding valves
The best way to eliminate airlocks is to install bleed valves during plumbing line construction. They are designed for releasing trapped air. Professionals gently open the valve to release the air. When you start to see your water pressure returning, they tighten it.
If you have an airlock in your plumbing, there’s no need to worry. All you need to do is call local plumbers to help restore your water pressure.
| Method | What is it for | Time |
| Hosepipe | Removing airlock from a single water line | 1-2 minutes |
| System Flush | Removing air from the entire plumbing system | 15-20 minutes |
| Bleeding Valves | Removing air from the pipes through dedicated valves | 5-10 minutes |
Pro tip: You can always add a water pressure regulator to avoid having issues like airlocks in your plumbing. It regulates incoming water pressure and protects the home’s plumbing in the long run.
No More Airlock Causing Low Water Pressure
An airlock is a simple problem to fix. Sometimes you can eliminate them automatically. Sometimes you need clever DIY strategies. Sometimes you need to call a professional to restore your water pressure to normal.
A certified plumber can help you resolve your immediate problem and explain what you need to do to avoid these issues in the future. They can also scan for other underlying issues and help you avoid costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an airlock causes my low water pressure?
An airlock in your pipes presents symptoms. You should look for sudden changes in flow, sputtering water from the taps, or gurgling sounds from the pipes.
Can an airlock clear itself?
Yes. Sometimes airlocks can clear themselves. Small pockets of air may move through the pipes naturally. However, if it’s taking longer than usual and you notice the symptoms, it’s best to call a plumber.
Is an airlock dangerous?
Airlocks in your pipes are more common than you might think. Every household deals with a few over time. However, consistent low pressure or unusual sounds from the pipes might point to a deeper underlying cause. It’s best to have a professional check it.
Why does my hot water tap have low water pressure but the cold tap is fine?
Having a problem with only one line is consistent with an airlock. For the hot water line, it might be due to an interrupted water supply or a drained system. Either case can be fixed with a simple hosepipe trick. Simply connect the pipe to the working tap and use the high-pressure water to help push the trapped air out.
Also Read: 10 signs you need a drain cleaning service before it’s too late