What Are The Causes of Air in Water Lines From a Well?
A malfunctioning well pump system, the air in your water pressure tank, a loss of water in the well, problems with your water heater, the presence of different gases, and leaks in your well pipes are the common causes of air in water lines.
You have air in your water line if you observe erratic water flow, sputtering in your faucets, or vibrations in your pipes. While air in your pipes doesn’t harm you or change the quality of the water, it frequently interferes with your plumbing system’s capacity to supply water to your home.
We’ll be exploring the most frequent reasons for air in your water lines coming from your well system in this tutorial. We’ll also discuss the eight most effective techniques to avoid an air buildup. You should be able to confidently identify and resolve an air buildup issue in your pipes at the end of this guide.
How to Temporarily Fix Air Bubbles in Water Lines
Follow the diagnosis and treatment steps below if you want to get rid of air in your pipes permanently. To get rid of the worst air bubbles, do this quick remedy if you don’t have time to figure out the issue just now.
One method is to completely shut off your main water supply valve. It should be placed close to where water enters your house. Then, you can start by turning on all of the water faucets and connections in your house as well as those for your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances.
Reopen the main water valve and wait for cold water to start flowing through your cold-side faucets. If you want to wait until the water flows steadily from your faucets without sputtering, leave the taps on for up to 15 minutes. Wait a few more minutes after you notice a steady flow of water before turning off your faucets.
8 Common Causes of Air in Water Lines from Well & How to Fix Them
Faulty or Failing Well Pump
The Problem
The most common cause of air in your water system is a broken well pump. If the pump motor or casing is damaged, old, or worn out, the well pump may create a vacuum while it’s running and pull air and water into your pipes during a pump cycle.
As opposed to a submersible pump, which is submerged underground, an above-ground well pump is more likely to draw air. An improperly sized pump for your well system could draw water and air from your well at the same time.
How to fix
Arranging for a qualified contractor to service the pump is the fastest and safest approach to fix a well pump. The contractor can inform you during their inspection whether your pump needs to be replaced or fixed to stop excessive air outflow from your faucets.
Air in Water Pressure Tank
The Problem
Your pipes and faucets may experience air pressure buildup as a result of air in the water pressure tank at your well. This problem is more likely to occur in older or bladderless water tanks than in newer tanks.
The ability of the water tank to maintain consistent pressure is impacted by air that enters the tank since it is transported throughout your house with the water. When you open your faucets, you’ll notice water coughing out of them, and the problem won’t go away after three or four minutes.
How to Fix It
Your well water pressure tank may require a pressure tank bladder replacement or a full bladder tank replacement, depending on the root of the issue.
Once more, call a nearby contractor to examine your well and provide advice on whether to replace the bladder or install a new water pressure tank. Only the pressure switch or tank valve may require replacement.
Water Heater Issue
The Problem
You’ve only noticed air coming out of your hot water faucets, right? Most likely, there is a problem with your hot water heater.
If your heater isn’t frequently purged, air and sediment will accumulate inside the system. Your heater’s anode rod may also be reacting with the water to produce hydrogen bubbles there.
How to Fix It
It’s recommended to hire a plumber to investigate the issue because the exact reason of air in your water lines varies on the type of heater you have. To determine if the sputtering stops, first switch off your water heater and run your hot water taps.
If it does, request a visit from your neighbourhood plumber. Investigate anything strange since persistent spitting from your faucets may be related to a heat buildup that could result in a water heater explosion.
Loss of Well Water
The Problem
The well water table may be the issue if your well pump is sucking air into your water pipes rather than the pump itself.
Your plumbing system may draw water and air if the water table in your well falls too low, which will reduce the rate at which water is recovered. If your faucets begin to splutter during periods of high demand, such as the evening, but stop the following morning, your well may be drying out.
How to Fix It
A temporary solution to the low well water table issue is to lower the well water pump deeper into the aquifer. In order to access a larger water supply, you will eventually need to engage a contractor to drill further into your well. In the worst instance, your well can stop functioning.
Leaks in Well Piping
The Problem
Your hot and cold water pipes may become contaminated with air and sediment if your well piping, check valve, foot valve, drop pipe, or any other component of your well water system has developed a leak. Your water flow rate will also be decreased by exterior plumbing leaks.
How to Fix It
Turn off your home’s main water supply line and examine the pressure gauge reading to find leaks. If the pressure slowly and steadily lowers, you most likely have a leak that requires professional repair.
Faulty Plumbing Valves
The Problem
Plumbing valves that are malfunctioning or improperly installed may result in air pockets in your plumbing, which will decrease the pressure in the well piping system. Your plumbing begins to absorb air through the valves, which causes your faucets to discharge air when you turn them on.
How to Fix It
Check each valve individually to make sure they are all properly placed and operating before assuming that the air in your water pipes is a result of your plumbing valves. If you don’t like doing things yourself, replace the problematic valve or call a plumber.
Presence of Gas
The Problem
Gases that dissolve into water, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane gas, can also cause air to spit from your faucets. These gases are found naturally in the environment and could infiltrate into your water supply as a result of soil erosion.
How to fix it
To find out if a specific contaminant is to blame for the air problem, have your water analyzed. If so, eliminate the problematic contaminant by installing a water treatment device, such as an aeration unit.
Problem with Water Treatment System
The Problem
Finally, an issue with your water treatment system could be to blame for too much air in your water pipes. Water softeners and filters enable a constant flow of water to be provided throughout your home when they’re operating properly. However, if these systems are clogged, worn out, or malfunctioning, your water may contain air.
How to Fix It
To diagnose typical problems, go to the user manual and look for any holes in the system’s pipes and fittings. If necessary, replace the valves or openings.
Other Causes of Air in Water Lines From a Well
Faulty Water Softener
The Problem
Any water softener leaks allow air to enter the water. This air moves through the plumbing pipes, which explains why opening a water faucet frequently results in loud bangs.
How To Fix It?
With a sponge bathed in soapy water, inspect the housing, inlet/outlet, valves, and brine tubing. If you notice air bubbles coming out, replace the specific component.
Summary of a Temporary Fix
The main water supply valve may be totally shut off.
All of your home’s water connections should be opened. A fixed water connection should be used to access the water connections for your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances. After that, turn on the main water valve that was shut off before the faucets were opened.
Until you notice a steady stream of water pouring out of the taps, leave the faucets running for 10 to 15 minutes. When you notice a steady flow of water, wait a few minutes.
Takeaway
Your well pressure tank, pump, heater, pipes, or other well components may be at fault if you experience sputtering, erratic water flow, or air in your water pipes. To identify the problem and treat it according to its cause, follow the guidelines in this manual.