Have you ever turned on your faucet or shower only to get that dreaded gurgling sound from within the pipes or, worse, only a trickle of water? Or you recently installed a new solderless fitting or valve, and no matter how long you run the water, you still detect air in the lines. If this has happened to you, you’re certainly not alone.
Clearing air from a home’s water lines is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. While air in the pipes may seem like a minor nuisance, it can cause much more significant issues if not appropriately addressed.
In this article, I’ll walk through some simple and effective techniques on how to purge air from water lines. By learning these air purging methods, you’ll be able to get your faucets and showers flowing smoothly once again.
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the steps to purge air from water lines, let’s first gather all the necessary materials and tools. The good news is, you already have most of these items at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A towel or rag
- Pliers or a wrench
- A bucket (optional)
Once you have all the necessary items, we can move on to the purging process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Purge Air From Water Lines
Step 1. Shut off Water Supply:
Start by shutting off the main water supply to your home to prevent additional air from being drawn into the pipes as you work. This valve is typically located near where the water line enters your home. Turn the valve clockwise to close it. If you need help with how to find or operate the main shut-off valve, take a moment to familiarize yourself with it before proceeding.
Step 2. Open the Highest Faucet:
Identify the faucet that is the highest in your home and open it. This could be an upstairs bathroom faucet or one on the top floor if you live in a multi-story house. Opening the highest faucet allows air trapped within the pipes to start moving upwards and towards the exit point. Leave this faucet open throughout the process, as it will be the final step to ensure that all air has been expelled from your water lines.
Step 3. Open the Lowest Faucet:
Next, locate the lowest faucet in your home, which could be in the basement or the first floor if you don’t have a basement. Open this faucet to create a backflow, allowing the air to push water through the system and out the open faucet, effectively removing the trapped air. It’s essential to open both the hot and cold valves if it’s a dual-control faucet to ensure all air is purged from the hot and cold water lines.
Step 4. Flush the Toilets:
Proceed to flush all the toilets in your home, starting with the one closest to the lowest faucet and working your way up to the highest levels. Flushing the toilets removes the air gathered in the water lines leading to the bathrooms. This is particularly important because the air within these lines can create insufficient flushing power or cause the water in the toilet tanks to refill erratically.
Step 5. Turn the Main Water Supply Back On:
With all the faucets open and toilets flushed, it’s time to turn the main water supply back on. Do this slowly to regulate the pressure of water entering the pipes. A gradual increase in water pressure helps to prevent a sudden rush that could exacerbate the air pockets. As the water begins to flow, it will push any remaining air toward the open faucets, aiding in the purging process.
Step 6. Check the Faucets:
As the water flows, listen for the sputtering sound at the highest and lowest faucets, indicating air escaping from the lines. Once the water runs smoothly without any air bubbles or sputtering, this suggests that the air has been successfully purged from the water lines around these faucets. If there’s no more sputtering sound, close the lowest tap first, then close the highest faucet.
Step 7. Inspect Other Faucets:
After addressing the highest and lowest faucets, it’s time to inspect all other taps and water outlets in the home. Open each one, including hot and cold water controls if applicable, allowing any residual air to escape. Remember to start from the lowest level of your home and work up to the highest to maintain the correct flow direction for air removal.
Step 8. Test for Air in Water Lines:
After going through each faucet, it’s essential to test that air has been effectively purged from your water lines. Turn on the taps and observe if there is a consistent flow of water without any air bursting through. Check varying flow rates by adjusting the faucet handles from low to high.
Step 9. Monitor Water Clarity:
As you purge the air from the water lines, some discoloration or sediment might appear in the water initially. This is normal and often results from the disturbance within the pipes. Allow the water to run until clear, ensuring all sediment and air have been removed from the lines.
Step 10. Final Assessment and Troubleshooting:
For the final step, it’s wise to thoroughly check your water system to confirm that the air has been entirely purged. If you still detect air in the lines after completing these steps, or if there’s persistent sputtering or irregular water flow, additional problems may need to be addressed.
In such cases, re-examine the measures to ensure each was performed correctly, or consult a professional plumber for further diagnosis and repair.
By following these 10 easy steps, you can successfully purge air from your water lines and avoid potential issues with your plumbing system.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are five additional tips and tricks to guide you through this process:
- Start at the Top: If you are dealing with a multi-story building, purge at the highest faucet and work your way down. This takes advantage of gravity and helps move the air bubbles upward and out through the taps.
- Use Hot Water Taps: Begin with the hot water taps. Since your water heater can accumulate air, it ensures you also release any trapped air within the heater.
- Bleed Valves: If your system is equipped with bleed valves designed explicitly for releasing air, ensure that they are used. They are typically located at the highest points in the system where air can collect.
- Frequency and Duration: Be consistent and thorough. Purge each line for a few minutes to ensure all air is expelled. Frequent and short bursts of water may not be as effective as a sustained flow.
- Check Water Pressure Regulators: Sometimes, problems with water pressure regulators can mimic the symptoms of air in the lines. Check and adjust regulators to maintain appropriate water pressure throughout the process.
With these tips and tricks, you can confidently purge air from your water lines and restore your system to optimal operation. Remember to take your time, follow a systematic approach, and consult a professional if you encounter any issues.
5 Things You Should Avoid
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time and prevent further issues:
- Ignoring Leakages: Do not overlook any leaks in your water system. Even the tiniest leak can draw air into the lines and exacerbate the problem.
- Closing Faucets Too Quickly: Rushing the process by closing faucets abruptly can cause a water hammer effect and potentially damage the piping. Allow the water to flow until it runs smoothly before shutting off the taps.
- Neglecting to Drain the Water Heater: If you purge your hot water lines, neglecting to drain the water heater can result in trapped air being left inside, eventually circulating back through the system.
- Forgetting to Check Shutoff Valves: Ensure that all shutoff valves are open. Partially closed valves can restrict water flow, making expelling all the air from the lines more complex.
- Skipping Regular Maintenance: Regularly neglecting maintenance on your water system as a whole, including air purging, can lead to accumulated air and scale buildup over time, significantly reducing the efficiency and lifespan of your water system.
Understanding these pitfalls and how to avoid them will help ensure you effectively purge air from your water lines and maintain a properly functioning plumbing system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to purge air from water lines is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. From understanding the causes of air in your water lines to implementing various methods of purging air, we have covered everything you need to know to tackle this issue effectively.
Remember, proper maintenance and regular plumbing system checks are crucial in preventing air buildup and ensuring smooth water flow throughout your home. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this post, you can quickly solve any air-related problems in your water lines and enjoy uninterrupted access to clean and clear water.
So don’t wait any longer – put these steps into practice and say goodbye to pesky air bubbles once and for all! Thank you for joining us on this journey of understanding the importance of purging air from water lines – happy plumbing!
