Understanding How Air Gets into Water Pipes and Solutions

Air can seep into water pipes through various means, including cracks and joints in the pipes, loose connections, and corroded pipe materials.

As we discussed earlier, water pipes are often made of materials like PVC, copper, or galvanized steel, which can corrode over time, creating tiny openings for air to enter.

Loose connections between pipes and fittings can also allow air to sneak in, especially if the connections are not properly tightened or sealed.

In fact, a single loose connection can allow up to 10 gallons of air to enter the pipe each day, leading to reduced water pressure and potentially causing damage to appliances and plumbing systems.

Air in water pipes can be a real nuisance, causing sputtering faucets and irregular water flow. One of the most common causes of air in water pipes is through plumbing system maintenance.

Air can easily find its way into the system during repairs or maintenance work, and even if you've made some improvements or had a professional install new pipes, air might collect in your plumbing system.

Leaks in the plumbing system, such as faulty check valves, fittings, and connections between pipes, can also cause the system to suck in air through the faulty spots. These leaks are more likely to develop if the parts were initially defective.

Gases can also dissolve in the water, especially under high pressure, and may not cause any bubbles. However, when the water moves to places of lower pressure, the gases leave the water and form air bubbles and pockets in the pipes.

Some examples of gases that can dissolve in water include methane, which can be flammable. High water temperatures can also lead to the formation of water pockets in the water pipes as the heat forces out air dissolved in the water.

Here are some of the common ways air can enter your water pipes:

• Empty pipelines: Pipelines not in operation are occupied with air, which can remain in the system during startup.

• Air in the fluid: Liquids like water can contain trapped or dissolved air, which separates from the liquid and can become trapped at the system's high points.

• Mechanical equipment: Leaks or faulty seals in mechanical systems like pumps, pipe joints, and valves can lead to air infiltrating the piping system.

Routine maintenance is another common cause of air getting into water pipes. Whenever you get your pipes worked on, air will eventually get into the system. This is because routine maintenance involves shutting off the main valve, sometimes replacing a pipe, etc.

Fluctuations in water pressure, often caused by municipal maintenance or adjustments, can also result in air being drawn into the plumbing system.

Air in your water pipes can be a real nuisance, and the first step to fixing it is to determine if you actually have a problem. Sputtering faucets can be a telltale sign of air presence in the water lines.

Low water pressure in one or more faucets is another red flag that indicates air obstruction. Noisy pipes, characterized by banging or clanging sounds when using water fixtures, can also be attributed to air in the lines.

Finding the source of the problem starts with locating your water heater, usually situated in the basement, garage, or a dedicated utility closet.

Trapped air can be a real nuisance in water lines, causing all sorts of problems. It's essential to understand the causes of trapped air to address the issue with precision.

Dislodged air pockets can flow downstream and form larger air pockets at the top section of the pipe, while rapid flow in downward sloping pipe sections can form a vacuum.

Air bubbles accumulate and form air pockets at the highest points in the system, which is why air valves are required at maximum high points. This helps ventilate the air pockets out to the atmosphere.

Local high points can also serve as an accumulation spot for air bubbles, and an air valve here vents the bubbles out to the atmosphere. This is crucial for proper aeration and ventilation of water and wastewater systems.

Air release valves and air vacuum valves should be installed every 800m on long pipe runs to properly vent and draw air into the system. This is a rule of thumb to ensure maximum efficiency.

Temporary high points can also be a source of trapped air, and an air valve here vents the bubbles out to the atmosphere. It's essential to identify and address these points to prevent air from becoming ensnared in the system.

By understanding the causes of trapped air and installing air valves at strategic locations, you can prevent air from becoming a problem in your water lines.

If your faucets emit a sputtering or hissing sound, it's indicative of air presence in the water lines.

Air in the water lines can cause reduced water pressure in one or more faucets, serving as a red flag.

The occurrence of banging or clanging sounds when using water fixtures can be attributed to air in the lines.

Locate your water heater, usually situated in the basement, garage, or a dedicated utility closet.

Air valves are typically situated at high points in the water lines, such as near the apex of your water heater or at the highest point in your home's plumbing system.

To obtain maximum efficiency, air valves are placed at strategic locations on the pipeline's run, usually every 800m on long pipe runs.

Air valves are required at maximum high points to ventilate air pockets that accumulate and form air pockets that get stuck at the highest points in the system.

Temporary high points can also serve as an accumulation spot for air bubbles, so an air valve here vents the bubbles out to the atmosphere.

Individual fixtures, like faucets and outdoor hose bibs, may have a small air valve near the top, so be sure to inspect each fixture for one.

Air release valves and air vacuum valves should be installed at these strategic locations to properly vent and draw air into the system.

Bleeding the Valve is a crucial step in removing air from your water pipes.

Individual air valves are often found on fixtures like faucets and outdoor hose bibs, typically near the top.

To bleed the air valve, position a bucket or container beneath the pressure relief valve to catch any water that may be discharged.

Lift the lever on the pressure relief valve or turn the knob counterclockwise to permit air to escape until water commences flowing steadily.

Once water is flowing sans sputtering, close the valve by pushing the lever back down or turning the knob clockwise.

To fully drain the air, open the fixture and activate the faucet or fixture with the individual air valve to facilitate the escape of air.

Gradually turn the valve counterclockwise until water flows steadily without air bubbles.

Once water is flowing seamlessly, close the valve by turning it clockwise.