How to Remove an Airlock from Water Pipes – Expert Advice from GladPro Plumbing Services

GladPro Plumbing Services
1 day ago
5 min read

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An airlock in your water pipes can be more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your home’s water flow, particularly in hot water systems, and may even indicate deeper issues within your plumbing.

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London resolve stubborn airlocks quickly and professionally. This detailed guide explains what an airlock is, how to identify it, and six proven methods to remove it effectively.

🚿 What Is an Airlock in a Water Pipe?

An airlock is a blockage caused by trapped air in your water pipes, preventing water from flowing freely. It typically occurs in hot water pipes, where heated water generates air bubbles more frequently.

If left untreated, airlocks can:

Reduce water pressure
Prevent hot water from reaching taps or showers
Cause gurgling or sputtering sounds
Put strain on your boiler or water heating system

Understanding how to clear an airlock—and when to call in professionals like GladPro Plumbing Services—can save you time, money, and a great deal of frustration.

🔍 Common Signs of an Airlock in Your Plumbing System

Here are the key symptoms that point to an airlock:

No water or very weak flow from hot water taps
Uneven water flow, often sputtering or pulsing
Only one tap is affected, usually hot water
Gurgling or bubbling sounds from pipes or taps
Your boiler may cycle on and off unusually

🛠️ 6 Methods to Remove an Airlock from Your Water Pipes

✅ Method 1: The Hosepipe Technique (Most Reliable)

This is one of the most commonly used and effective methods to remove airlocks, using the pressure from the cold water system to push air out of the hot water pipe.

Steps:

Turn off all taps.
Connect a hosepipe between a working cold tap and the affected hot tap.
Open the cold tap fully, then open the hot tap.
Let the water run for 2–3 minutes to build enough pressure.
Turn off the hot tap first, then the cold tap.
Remove the hosepipe and test the hot tap.

💡 Tip: Ensure the hose is sealed tightly at both ends to avoid leaks and ensure proper pressure.

✅ Method 2: Alternating Tap Flow Method

This is a simple but sometimes effective way to dislodge airlocks using gravity and pressure.

Steps:

Turn on the affected hot water tap slightly (just a trickle).
Go to a tap on a lower floor (e.g., ground floor or basement) and turn on a cold tap fully.
Alternate turning them on and off for several minutes.
Check if the hot tap flow improves.

This can help move trapped air bubbles toward lower outlets in the system.

✅ Method 3: Plunger Method (For Basins and Sinks)

Using a traditional cup plunger can be surprisingly effective for removing localised airlocks in bathroom or kitchen sinks.

Steps:

Block the overflow hole with a damp cloth.
Fill the sink with a small amount of water to cover the plunger base.
Place the plunger directly over the tap outlet.
Plunge up and down firmly for 30–60 seconds.
Test the tap after plunging.

This works by building pressure in the pipe system to force air through.

✅ Method 4: Bleeding the System (Open-Vented Systems Only)

If your home uses a traditional open-vented hot water system (typically with a cold water storage tank in the loft), you may be able to bleed the system manually.

Steps:

Turn off your boiler and water supply.
Locate the bleed valves on your hot water cylinder or radiators (whichever is accessible).
Use a radiator key to open the valve slowly until air escapes.
Once water starts flowing steadily, close the valve tightly.
Turn the water supply and boiler back on.

Important: This should only be done if you're comfortable working with your heating system—or call GladPro Plumbing Services to handle it safely.

✅ Method 5: Drain and Refill the System

For persistent or system-wide airlocks, a full system drain and refill may be necessary.

Steps:

Turn off your water supply and boiler.
Open all taps in the home (starting upstairs and moving downwards).
Allow the system to fully drain.
Once drained, slowly reopen the water supply and allow the system to refill.
Close taps as water flows steadily without spluttering.

This can help reset the water pressure and push out airlocks, especially in multi-level properties.

⚠️ Caution: Incorrectly draining your plumbing can cause damage. Always consult a professional plumber if unsure.

✅ Method 6: Use a Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner

This is a creative but effective technique used by experienced DIYers or professionals.

Steps:

Seal a wet & dry vacuum cleaner hose to the end of the hot water tap using duct tape or a rubber seal.
Turn the vacuum on in wet mode and suck for 2–3 minutes.
This creates suction that may draw the trapped air back through the pipes.

This method works best on isolated basin or bath taps.

🧼 Preventing Future Airlocks in Your Plumbing System

While not always avoidable, you can reduce the chance of airlocks by:

Running hot taps regularly (especially in seldom-used bathrooms)
Ensuring all plumbing work is carried out by qualified professionals
Avoiding sudden changes in pressure (e.g., shutting off mains water too quickly)
Getting annual plumbing inspections from GladPro Plumbing Services

📞 When to Call GladPro Plumbing Services

If none of the DIY methods above solve your issue—or if you’re unsure about your system—it’s time to call the professionals.

Call GladPro Plumbing Services if:

✅ The airlock returns repeatedly

✅ You hear persistent gurgling or banging noises

✅ Multiple taps are affected across your home

✅ You have an unvented or pressurised system you’re not familiar with

✅ You're concerned about damaging your system with DIY attempts

We offer fast response plumbing callouts across Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London. Whether it’s a simple airlock or a sign of a larger issue, our qualified engineers are here to help.

🌍 Your Trusted Local Plumbers in Gravesend, Kent, Essex & South East London

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we specialise in:

Airlock diagnosis and removal
Emergency plumbing repairs
Hot water system maintenance
Full plumbing system inspections

Our reputation across Gravesend, the wider Kent area, Essex, and South East London is built on reliable service, transparent pricing, and professional workmanship.