How to clear an airlock in your house
If you find yourself without water and your taps are making a spluttering noise instead of delivering a steady flow, it's likely due to an airlock in your pipes.
What is an Airlock?
An airlock occurs when gas becomes trapped in a high point of a liquid-filled pipe, causing a restriction or complete stoppage of water flow. This situation commonly arises in double-storey landed properties, particularly when recommissioning a water tank after it has been emptied for servicing or due to an accidental drainage. As the water tank is being refilled, air can flow into the pipes before the water does, leading to air being trapped inside.
How to Clear an Airlock
Here are a few methods to resolve an airlock at your tap:
Open All Nearby Taps:
If there’s no other tap close to the one with the airlock, try opening all the taps connected to your water tank. Let them run for a while. If water flows through all the taps, including the one with the airlock, the issue may be resolved.
Remove the Stop Valve:
If opening the taps doesn't work, you might need to remove the stop valve near the affected tap. This can allow water to flow out and often resolves the airlock.
Use a Hose to Clear the Airlock:
If there’s another tap near the airlocked one, you can use a soft hose. Connect one end of the hose to the airlocked tap (Tap A) and the other end to the nearby tap (Tap B).
Turn on Tap A (which won’t deliver water) and then turn on Tap B. This allows water to flow into Tap A. After removing the hose from Tap A, the water flowing in should help push out the trapped air. Repeat this process 3-4 times if necessary.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried the above steps and the airlock persists after multiple attempts, there may be an issue with your plumbing system, and it’s time to contact a local plumber for assistance.
Important Safety Note
Remember, if you experience any uncontrolled water flow or a pipe burst, remain calm. Turn off the relevant stop valve or the main valve near your water meter to prevent further issues.
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