Ever turned on the tap expecting a strong stream, only to be met with splutters or silence? If so, you’re likely dealing with an airlock in your plumbing system. This occurs when air gets trapped inside the pipes, blocking the normal flow of water and affecting your hot water, taps, and even heating.
Left untreated, an airlock can cause long-term strain on your system, reduce efficiency, and become a serious nuisance. In this blog, we’ll explore seven clear signs of airlock in pipes and what you can do to fix them quickly and safely.
For professional support with tricky airlocks or persistent plumbing problems, Citywide Plumbers offers reliable service across the UK, ensuring your system flows as it should.
Call us on 020 3892 8545 or drop us an email at info@citywideplumbers.co.uk today!
Experiencing strange noises, spluttering taps, or no hot water? Trust Citywide Plumbers to diagnose and fix airlocks quickly, restoring smooth flow to your plumbing system.
1. Spluttering Or Gurgling Taps
One of the first indicators of an airlock is spluttering or gurgling taps. Instead of a steady stream, water spits and spurts from the tap, often accompanied by noise. This happens because air in the pipes interrupts the water flow, causing irregular delivery.
How to fix it:
Run both the hot water and cold taps fully open for several minutes to try and force the air out. For persistent issues, attach a hosepipe between a functioning cold tap and the affected hot tap, turn both on, and let the higher-pressure cold water push the air back through the system.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
If water is trickling out rather than flowing freely, you’re likely experiencing reduced water pressure due to trapped air. This is particularly common in older homes and the hot water system, where air collects more easily.
How to fix it:
Run all taps in the house simultaneously for a few minutes to help flush the air out. Start with the lowest tap and move upwards. If this doesn’t work, try repressurising your system after bleeding radiators or consult a professional.
3. No Water From Certain Taps
Getting no water from certain taps—while others work fine—is another red flag. This typically means a total blockage in that part of the system, often on the hot side.
How to fix it:
Use the hosepipe method again, as it’s one of the most effective ways to clear a total airlock. If the affected tap is upstairs, use a downstairs tap as the pressure source. Keep the taps open for at least 2–3 minutes.
4. Strange Noises In Pipes
Do you hear strange noises in pipes, like hissing, gurgling, or clanking? This could be caused by air pockets moving through the system. These noisy water pipes are not only annoying—they’re a clear indicator of something being off in your plumbing.
How to fix it:
Turn off your water supply and release pressure from the system using the taps. Once pressure is low, gradually turn the system back on to allow the air to escape naturally. If the noises continue, check that your air chambers (if fitted) are clear and functioning.
5. Inconsistent Hot Water
If you notice that the hot water is working one moment and not the next—or that the temperature fluctuates while using a shower—then an airlock may disrupt flow within the hot water system.
How to fix it:
Switch off your boiler or water heater, let it cool, then restart. This can help rebalance pressure and may force the trapped air out. If this fails, perform the hosepipe trick to manually clear the airlock in the hot tap line.
6. Banging Noise From Pipes
A loud banging noise (also called “water hammer”) can occur when air trapped in the pipes causes a pressure surge as water starts or stops abruptly. This may damage your system over time and is a sign that your pipework might be poorly secured or air-filled.
How to fix it:
Install water hammer arrestors if your system lacks air chambers, or bleed the system through radiators and taps to release the trapped air. You may also want to secure any loose copper pipes to reduce vibration.
7. Inconsistent Water Flow Across The House
If some rooms have good water flow and others don’t, or if water flows differently from one tap to another, the issue may lie in the distribution caused by trapped air, especially in systems with multiple floors.
How to fix it:
Start at the lowest floor and open all taps upwards to push air through the lines. Also, check for any signs of frozen pipes or blockages contributing to uneven flow.
Contact Citywide Plumbers for support
When To Call A Professional
If DIY fixes don’t resolve the issue—or if airlocks keep returning—then the problem could be more complex. Recurring issues might indicate design flaws in your plumbing system, a blocked water heater, or failing pressure-regulating valves.
Conclusion
An airlock might seem minor, but its effects on your plumbing system can be wide-reaching—from spluttering taps and strange noises to inconsistent hot water and low pressure. While some airlocks can be managed with DIY fixes, persistent problems may indicate underlying issues that need expert attention.
That’s where Citywide Plumbers comes in. Our skilled and NICEIC-recognised team is fully equipped to handle a variety of water flow and pressure issues—even in emergencies. From detecting insufficient mains pressure that causes weak tap and shower flow to addressing small or outdated pipes that may need upgrading, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your home’s needs.
We also install pressure pumps and tanks to ensure consistent performance and tackle pressure drops caused by minerals build-up. With the use of effective water softeners, we help restore proper pressure and prevent recurring problems—keeping your plumbing healthy and reliable.
For trusted plumbing services, contact us today and ensure your plumbing system is ready to meet your needs.