Have you ever turned on a faucet and noticed spurting or bubbling water? Or heard banging noises coming from your pipes? If so, you may be experiencing the frustrating problem of air in your water lines.
Why am I getting air in my water lines? A number of things can lead to air in water pipes. One of the most prevalent reasons is leaks in pipes, which can bring air into the system. High water pressure, as well as water main breaks, can cause the air in water pipes.
Air in water pipes may seem like a small annoyance, but it may really be an indication of a more significant issue with your plumbing system. For instance, air may enter the system through broken pipes if there is a leak or break in them. Future issues like water damage or mold development may result from this, which might be more serious.
Keep reading to find out how you can remove air from faucet water lines and keep your plumbing system in top condition.
What Are The Signs of Air In Water Lines?
Sputtering or Spitting Faucets
Your water lines may develop air pockets when air gets inside of them, which can obstruct the flow of water.
The water coming out of your faucet may splutter, spit, or surge as a result of this disruption. This is also known as a “water hammer,” and it can eventually harm your plumbing system.
Noisy Pipes
Your water pipes may bang, ratchet, or tick when air bubbles are flowing through them. When you activate a water-using appliance, such as a faucet, you may particularly notice this noise. Unattended air bubbles in your pipes can harm them and result in leaks or burst pipes if they are not fixed.
Cloudy or Milky Water
Water can appear cloudy or milky if there is air in the water lines, which aerates the water and causes it to become aerated. If you let the water sit for a while or run the faucet for a while, the cloudiness might disappear.
To avoid harm to your plumbing system, you should take immediate action if the issue persists.
Reduced Water Pressure
Water might flow through your pipes more slowly if there is air in the water lines since it takes up more space. Your home’s water pressure may be affected as a result.
Low water pressure can make it challenging to wash dishes, take a shower, or do laundry. It might also be a symptom of a bigger issue with your plumbing system.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
Your hot water may fluctuate in temperature or go colder than usual if the air is trapped in the pipes carrying the hot water. This can be especially annoying while you’re trying to wash the dishes or take a shower. Your water heater and plumbing system might be protected from harm if the problem is swiftly fixed.
Why Am I Getting Air In My Water Lines and How To Fix It?
Air in water lines is a common plumbing problem that occurs when air becomes trapped in your home’s plumbing system. This can cause disruptions in your water flow, such as spurting, sputtering, or even a complete loss of water pressure. Here are common causes of air in the water lines of the faucet.
Leaks In Pipes
A common cause for air coming in water is leaking pipes in the house. Due to the leak, air easily mixes into the water. Leak not only mixes air but also causes significant damage to the house flooring and wall.
The general cause of leak pipes is the old plumbing of the house. Corrosion and rust also damage pipes and create leakage. Over time, the pipe can become weakened and lead to leaks.
If pipes are outside of the wall or floor, leaks can be seen easily. But what about the inside wall and floor plumbing, how would you identify a leak there? If you see damp spots on walls or flooring, it means water is leaking there.
How To Repair Leak?
If you suspect a leak in the water pipes, you should act fast. You are causing further water damage to your home by ignoring the leak.
To begin fixing, switch off the house’s main water supply. Turn on the faucets to drain the water lines completely. Outside water lines can be repaired immediately, while internal plumbing requires the removal of flooring or a wall.
When you’ve identified the location of the leak, you can try various strategies to repair it. A pipe clamp or epoxy putty can be used to patch a tiny leak. That is a simple and quick fix for minor leaks. But, for major leaks, you must repair the damaged section of the water lines. Cut the damaged section using a cutter and replace it with a fresh one. To prevent future leaks, create a watertight seal for the new part and apply Teflon tape. You may avoid air entering water pipes by repairing leaks.
Water Main Break
The water main is the public water supply system that gets connected to the main water line of your house. When the main supply line that brings water to your home gets a rupture or cracks; it causes air into the water. Air enters into the supply lines through cracks and starts causing issues and disrupting the flow of water.
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To identify the water main break, there are a few signs to look out for. If there is low water pressure or discolored water from the faucet, it is an indication of a water main break. It also causes a hissing or gurgling sound when water comes out from the faucet.
How To Fix It?
If you discover a water main break, notify your local water authorities right once. Inform them about the problem. They may tell you an approximate time to repair the pipeline. In this case, there is nothing you can do. You are entirely reliant on the water authority.
To avoid more problems, turn off the house’s main water supply so that air combined with dirty water does not enter. Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water from the pipelines. It will help ease any further pressure. Drinking contaminated water should be avoided. When repair work is done by authorities, turn on the main water line to bring back the water supply.
Water Heater Issue
Water heaters can create air in your water lines through a process called “cavitation.” Cavitation occurs when water is heated and expands rapidly, creating bubbles of air. These air bubbles can then become trapped in your plumbing system and lead to spitting or spurting water from your faucets.
If the air in water lines is caused by a water heater then you will see fluctuation in the temperature. Temperature fluctuation is a clear sign something is not well with the water heater. Also, you may hear a banging noise from the hot water supply.
How To Fix It?
- Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool down.
- Now drain the water heater. It will remove sediments and debris from it.
- Run the water valve of the heater, until you don’t get clean water without any sediment and debris.
- You should use vinegar to clean sediment and debris from the water heater.
- Refill the water heater with clean water and turn on it.
Improperly Installed Plumbing
Improperly installed plumbing is a sneaky culprit of air in my water lines problem. When plumbing is not installed properly, there will be gaps between plumbing connections. Through these gaps, the air becomes trapped in water lines.
An improperly vented plumbing creates negative pressure in the water lines. Due to negative pressure, the air is drawn into pipes and you get spurting or bubbling water when you turn on the faucet.
If you have used the wrong or cheap pipes for the plumbing, with times connections between pipes will be loosened over the years and it will create a gap for air.
How To Repair Improperly Installed Plumbing?
Repairing improperly installed plumbing is a time-consuming task. First, you need to identify the issue in the plumbing system. Inspect the plumbing line and find out the damaged section. It will take time to find the point but once you get it, you can start fixing it.
Repair or replace the damaged part of the water line. This time use the right pipe for the connection. Don’t go with a cheap one. Securely connect pipes to prevent air from entering the water. If possible, you should change or adjust the plumbing system of the faucet to prevent issues with the feature.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are not a good sign. They cause various issues such as burst pipes, low water flow, and air in your water lines.
When the frozen water in the water line melts and the water begins flowing again, it may create a vacuum effect. Due to this effect, water will pull air from the surrounding area. It will create air pockets in the plumbing system and air-mixed water will come out from the faucet.
How To Fix It?
This situation occurs mostly in cold places. If you live in a cold place, you should let the water drip from the faucet. Dripping water will keep water flowing in the water line. Due to regular flow, water won’t freeze. If water lines are frozen, you should try to heat up the frozen part of the water lines to melt the water.
Well Pump Issue
The well pump in your house draws water from the well and delivers it to your home. If there is any malfunctioning in the well pump, you will get air in the water pipes.
With the help of the vacuum, the well pump pulls the water from the well. In this process, it is common that air mixes into the water and come out from the faucet.
How To Fix It?
When faced with air in your water lines due to a potentially faulty well pump, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. This process requires technical knowledge to fix the issue with the well pump. You can’t do it yourself.
Can a Bad Pressure Tank Cause Air In Water Lines?
Yes, a bad pressure tank causes air in water lines. Pressure tanks are used to maintain the pressure in your home plumbing system.
These tanks store the water under pressure and ensure an even water flow in the plumbing system.
Inside the pressure tank, there is typically an air cushion or bladder. This air cushion acts as a buffer and helps stabilize water pressure. When you use water, the tank releases water from its storage and compensates with the compressed air, maintaining the desired pressure.
If the pressure tank becomes faulty or loses its ability to maintain pressure effectively, several issues can arise. One common problem is when the tank’s air cushion becomes waterlogged, meaning it fills with water instead of air.
Water is drawn from the well or the main supply, the faulty pressure tank may not be able to release air properly. This trapped air can then travel through your water lines, causing sputtering faucets, low water pressure, and the sensation of air in the lines.
Can Air In Water Pipes Cause Damage?
Yes, the air in water pipes can cause damage to your plumbing system and even your appliances
- Water Hammer Sound: A water hammer is a loud banging sound produced when air pockets build up in the pipes and cause water to rush. Over time, water hammer damage to your pipes can cause leaks or even burst pipes.
- Low Water Pressure: Reduced water pressure in your home might also be caused by air in water pipes. This is so that less water can flow through the pipes since the air takes up space there.
- Corrosion: Your water pipes may corrode over time if air is constantly entering them. Leaks or even burst pipes may result from corrosion, necessitating expensive repairs.
- Damage Appliances: Air in water pipes can also have an impact on water-using appliances like dishwashers, washers, and water heaters. The appliance may become entrapped by air, which would make it malfunction or possibly fail.
Air Coming Out of Hot Water Faucet
If there is air in the water heater of the house, you will see air coming out of the hot water faucet. Air may get trapped in the water heater or inside the hot water supply lines.
If there is any recent plumbing work is completed or going on in the house, the chances of trapping air in the hot water supply lines are high. During the process, the air gets mixed into the water and flows through supply lines.
Another cause is sediment and buildup inside the water heater. We don’t clean the water heater for a long time. It causes buildups inside it. Buildups mix the air into water. Also, when hot water is expanded, it creates air pockets in the water heater.
Final Thoughts
Having air in water lines is not a good sign. It affects the performance of the faucet. By understating the cause, you can take the right action to solve the problem. This guide has solutions for every problem of air in water. It is a good idea to solve the issue in the beginning to prevent costly repairs to the feature.
FAQs About Getting Air In Faucet Water Lines
What Causes Air In Water Lines Every Morning?
If you only get air in water lines in the morning, it happens due to a phenomenon called thermal expansion. When the water in pipes expands after heating up, thermal expansion occurs. It creates pressure inside the water lines. When you turn on the faucet, this pressure pushes the air outside and the air comes out with water.
Can Air In Pipes Fix Itself?
In some situations, the air in pipes fixes itself without doing any repairing or fixing. If the air is near the faucet, it will come out quickly and won’t cause further issues.
What Does Air In Water Pipes Sound Like?
Air in water pipes can produce several different sounds, depending on where the air is trapped and how much air is in the system such as bubbling, gurgling, whistling, or hissing sounds.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.