The common signs of air in pipes include:
Some common causes of this issue are:
To address this issue quickly,
Continue reading for detailed troubleshooting of all 7 reasons for air in water pipes with a well!
🤔Why Am I Getting Air In My Water Lines With A Well?
| Causes | Solutions |
| Air In Water Pressure Tank | Replace the pressure bladder or the entire pressure tank. |
| Hole/leaks in the well pipe. | Observe the water pressure reading. The gradual decrease in water pressure indicates pipe damage with a hole or leak, which you can fix by hiring a plumbing expert. |
| Bad Plumbing Valves | Inspect for faulty valves one after another and repair or replace them. |
| Failing Well Pump: | Monitor the defects in the well pump and get professional help to detect and fix them. |
| Low Well Water Table | Evaluate pump depth and lower it for a quick fix. Deepen the well with the water system professionals to prevent the issue further. |
| Sediment Buildup In Water Heater | Inspect the water heater and check if flushing could stop or service the signs. |
| Clogged Water Treatment System | Clear clogs and replace damaged parts |
🍃Air Inside Water Pressure Tank
Why It Happens:
The water pressure tank generally contains air to maintain the steady water flow.
But sometimes, the pressure level may be reduced to the recommended level (2-10 PSI below the start pressure), which causes air to pass through the water pipes.
How To Fix:
To restore the consistent water pressure:
🕳️Hole/Leaks in the Well Pipe
Why It Happens:
Corrosion, poor fitting, physical damage, or exposure to high hard mineral content in water can result in leakage in the well pipe, drop pipe, check valves, or other parts.
Such leaks act as an entrance for air, sediments, or dust particles.
How To Fix:
Inspect and fix the holes or leakage in different parts of your plumbing one by one with the help of a professional plumber.
⚙️Bad Plumbing Valves
Why It Happens:
Plumbing valves may become defective after 15-20 years of use due to corrosion, sediment buildup, or regular wear and tear.
How To Fix:
Check and replace all the defective plumbing valves.
Also Read: Why Well Water Pressure Fluctuates
🔨Failing Well Pump
Why It Happens:
The well pump maintains a vacuum during normal operation.
However, mineral clogging, slime buildup by bacteria, or lightning strikes can lead to a well pump failure.
A faulty well pump allows air along the water to pass inside, whether above ground or submersible pump.
How To Fix:
A plumbing expert can readily detect the issue and discharge the air from the pump. Otherwise, you might need to replace the pump altogether.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Well Water Smells Like Metal
💦Low Well Water Table
Why It Happens:
Excessive pumping lowers the well water table to a level where it can allow water and air into your plumbing system.
Faucet drying and sputtering are possible signs of water loss in your region, and your water column is reduced.
How To Fix:
Lowering the water pump or drilling further to deepen your well can fix this issue.
🔥Sediment Buildup In Hot Water Heater
Why It Happens:
If your hot water faucets have air discharge, there’s likely a sediment buildup in your heating element.
Besides, the reaction of the anode rod with water may also form hydrogen bubbles, introducing air into the building water system.
How To Fix:
Release water from your hot water faucets and hire a plumbing expert to remove the mineral clog in your water heater.
🪠Clogged Water Treatment System
Why It Happens:
A malfunctioning water treatment equipment may lead to air passage into your plumbing.
This is because water treatment systems contain specific filters with air pockets to remove some minerals like iron, manganese, or sulfur.
How To Fix:
Keep a regular maintenance routine for your water treatment system.
Monitor if there is an installation defect and fix it.
Sometimes, methane, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or H₂S gas are dissolved in water, which results in air sputtering out of tapes.
A simple water test can confirm the available contaminants so you can use the appropriate water treatment system to fix them.
🎯How Do You Get Air Out Of Water Lines From Your Well?
For a temporary fix, follow the simple steps:
There are specific fixes based on the root cause of the issue. If sputtering, vibration, loud noises, or other signs are due to:
💡What Causes Air In Water Pipes With A Well? FAQs
What are the signs of air in water pipes?
The most common signs of air in water plumbing lines include:
1. Loud, noisy pipes,
2. Irregular water flow,
3. Sputtering faucets.
How does air get into a well-water system?
Air gets into a well water system due to low water levels in a well, which is caused by drought or over-pumping.
You can prevent such issues by:
1. Minimizing water usage and
2. Installing a drawdown cutoff device.
Why do I keep getting air in my water lines?
If you keep getting air in your water lines, look for the following potential issues:
1. Water pipe leaks
2. Faulty well pump
3. Defective plumbing valves
4. Compromised well casing
To address these issues, repair or replace the faulty or malfunctioning well pump or plumbing valves, find and seal the leaks, and fix the well casing.
Can a bad pressure tank cause air in water lines?
Yes, a bad pressure tank can cause air in water lines.
Here’s the step-by-step guide to verify the pre-charged pressure:
1. Disconnect the tank from the power supply
2. Empty the tank by opening the faucet to release the water
3. Use the tire pressure gauge on the top of the tank to check the pressure and see if it’s 2-10 PSI less than the “start” air pressure.
4. Connect an air compressor, bicycle pump, or dedicated well pump to the Schrader valve to add air if the pre-charged pressure is below the recommended range. If you can’t, the bladder might be damaged, and you must replace it.
How long does it take to get air out of water lines?
It takes 10-15 minutes to get the air out of the water lines.
Sayan understands that access to clean water doesn’t have to be costly.
He strives to provide knowledge of water purification techniques in the simplest way possible so that we can lead a healthy life without breaking our bank.
