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An airlock occurs when pockets of air keep water from flowing through your pipes like normal. The most common symptom of airlock is having water flowing out of your faucets or showerhead abnormally. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, then you can contact a professional to help you. A Scottsdale plumber will make sure there are no severe issues with the plumbing in your house. He or she will make sure you do not run into any unexpected situations.
If you choose to fix the problem yourself, then we have some advice for you to follow. Here are the five best ways to fix an airlock in pipes.
- Turn On the Taps Around the House
This is one of the easiest methods to ensure the airlock problem in your pipes is resolved without using any tools. For this method, you need to open all the sink faucets and showerheads around the house. This will generate enough water pressure to remove any airlocks and have them leave the system, restoring a smooth flow of water to your home.
- Bleed the Radiators
Airlocks can also occur in the boilers. For that, the radiators around the house must be bled. First, you should turn off the boiler in the basement and turn off all the radiators around the house. Second, you should turn the return vents after the radiators are bled. Once the valve is turned open again and the boiler restarts, the airlocks should no longer be there.
- Use a Hose Pipe
For this method, you need to attach a hose pipe to the faucet that is having an airlock. You can attach the other side of the pipe to the faucet with normal running water. Once both connections are tightly in place, both the faucets will turn on. The pressure generated will pop the airlocks, causing water to flow regularly.
- Washing Machine Method
Do you have an automatic washing machine with valves for both hot and cold water? If so, then you can use this when fixing your own airlocks. First, you must disconnect both the valve and the hose. Second, you must connect these valves and turn on the hot water supply. Also, turn off the cold water, and leave them like this for 40 seconds. Once you are done, turn off the cold water first and then the hot water.
- Use a Showerhead
Remove your showerhead and wrap the connecting pipe with two or three plastic bags. These plastic bags will act as a membrane that will create pressure to push back on any airlocks. Finally, disconnect the cold water supply and then turn on both cold and hot water pipes. The pressure will build up to release in airlocks.
These are just a few easy tips and tricks that you can use to fix airlocks in your plumbing system. If you need professional help, you can always hire people to do the job for you.
