Air can cause all sorts of annoying noises in your plumbing system, from hissing to popping and banging. While this can sometimes be your pipes crying out for professional help, you don’t always need a plumber to restore the quiet in your home. Our guide will help you diagnose the problem and try to fix it before calling in a pro.
What Causes Air in Pipes?
Air can enter your plumbing system at multiple points. It can take up space in your pipes when they’re depressurized and drained, such as if you’ve added new plumbing or temporarily shut off a valve. If your city’s working on neighborhood water lines, air can get introduced into the system for the same reasons.
Sometimes, air can also enter through leaks in your pipes or as a byproduct of well issues. In these situations, it’s best to consult a plumber.
Signs of Air in Your Water Lines
Hissing and popping from your pipes can indicate there’s air in the system. There are also visual signs air might be present, including the following:
- Cloudy or milky-looking water that clears after a few seconds
- Irregular water flow
- Sputtering and spitting water from faucets and outlets
Tools Needed for Fixing Air in Pipes
Before you start to remove air from your water pipes, gather the following tools to make the process more efficient:
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket or large container
- Flathead screwdriver
- Towels or rags
Locating and Shutting Off the Main Water Valve
Start the process by finding your home’s main water valve. The “main” controls the water supply to your entire home. If it operates as expected, shutting it off will help you remove air most efficiently.
There are two common types of water mains, and each one works differently:
- Ball valve: Ball valves are newer-style with a lever handle. To turn it off, turn the lever 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
- Gate valve: Gate valves are older-style with a wheel-like handle you turn multiple times. To turn the valve off, turn the wheel clockwise until it stops.
Sometimes, water mains don’t shut off easily. If the main is tight or calcified from hard water, don’t force it to move. Instead, call a plumber for assistance. You may also want to consider trying a water softener in the future.
Step-By-Step Guide to Remove Air From Pipes
Now that you’ve located and shut off the main water valve, you can start taking a systematic approach to removing the air from most types of pipes in your plumbing system. You can also read our complete guide to removing air from pipes if you want more information.
Preparing to Remove the Air
Before reintroducing water to your pipes, have towels and rags ready to clean up spills and open drain stoppers so water can flow freely.
Opening Faucets and Fixtures
To create a path for air to escape, you’ll run all of your home’s faucets, fixtures, and water-using appliances. Open each faucet about halfway, both hot and cold, open outdoor hose bibs, and flush all your toilets once. Run your dishwasher and washing machine through a short cycle. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, run water through it as well.
Reintroducing Water to the System
With all fixtures open, it’s time to restore water flow. Turn on your main water valve and listen for the sound of air escaping from the open faucets. Let water run for about 10–15 minutes or until the flow becomes steady without sputtering.
Once the flow has stabilized, turn off your faucets. Check that your toilets have refilled properly and flush them again if necessary.
Dealing With Persistent Air Problems
If air continues to be an issue after following the above steps, you may be dealing with a more complex problem, especially if you have a well system.
Common Issues With Well Systems
Air in pipes becomes a bit more complicated when a well is involved, and it often takes the expertise of a well specialist to fix it. Here are a few ways that wells can introduce air into your plumbing system:
- Cracked or loose pipe fittings
- Damaged foot valves
- Faulty well pumps
- Low water level from drought
- Waterlogged pressure tanks
When To Call a Professional Plumber
You can resolve many air-in-pipe issues with DIY methods, but some situations warrant professional help. Consider calling a plumber if the following circumstances apply:
- The air problem persists after multiple attempts to clear it.
- There are signs of water leaks in your home.
- You notice a significant drop in water pressure.
- You’re uncomfortable working with your plumbing system.
Plumbers have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix persistent or more complex issues.
Preventing Future Air in Pipes
Taking proactive measures can help prevent air from entering your water pipes in the future. Regular plumbing maintenance and strategic upgrades can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system running smooth.
Regular Maintenance
To keep air out of your pipes, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- If you have a well, have it inspected and serviced regularly.
- Maintain proper water pressure in your system.
- Regularly check for leaks and repair them promptly.
- Remove sediment buildup by flushing your water heater once a year.
Upgrading Plumbing Components
Plumbers can install upgrades to improve your plumbing system’s performance and keep air at bay. Some of these upgrades include the following:
- Aerators and anti-siphon valves to regulate water flow and stop backflow
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes that are less prone to air infiltration
- Modern ball valves to improve flow control at the main
- Pressure-balancing valves to keep steady water pressure
- Smart leak detection systems to alert you of leaks in real time
Troubleshooting Other Pipe Noises
Other factors besides air can cause noisy plumbing. Understanding these problems’ unique signs can help you pinpoint the specific cause of the issue.
Water Hammer
Water hammer is a distinct banging noise caused by the sudden stoppage of water flow. You may hear it under these situations:
- Poorly-secured pipes
- Valves closing too quickly
- Water pressure too high
Your plumber can install water hammer arrestors or adjust your home’s water pressure to quiet down the noise.
Loose or Vibrating Pipe Noise
Loose pipes can create rattling or vibrating noises. To fix them, you or your plumber can secure the pipes with pipe hangers or straps. Insulation around the pipes can also reduce vibration, noise, and the risk of damage.
Safety Considerations When Working With Plumbing
Safety should be your top priority when working with pipes. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always shut off the water supply before working on pipes.
- Be aware of electrical hazards, especially in wet areas.
- Know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency.
- Use caution when working with hot water lines to avoid burns.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses.
Our Conclusion
Dealing with air in water pipes can be a straightforward DIY task, but it’s important to recognize when a problem may exceed your capabilities. Regular maintenance and prompt repair can help prevent air from entering your pipes in the future. If you encounter persistent issues or are unsure about any aspect of your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber.