You may have heard that you should remove air from plumbing pipes to prevent damage caused by air bubbles, but you may not know how to do it yourself. Fortunately, removing air from plumbing pipes is a simple process that only takes a few minutes of your time and requires only one tool.
Let’s take a look at the average homeowner’s guide to removing air from plumbing pipes in your home!
Introduction
One of my most frequently asked questions is about how to remove air from plumbing pipes. In order for your plumbing system to function properly, all of your pipes need to be pressurized with water. But in some homes and businesses, water flows freely when a faucet is turned on. This means that either something is wrong with your plumbing or there’s air inside one or more of your pipes.
What is the Purpose of Removing Air from Plumbing Pipes?
There are several reasons why you would want to remove air from plumbing pipes in your home. First, it will eliminate any buildup of pressure that could cause a rupture and flood your home. Also, removing air prevents sewer gases from seeping into your home and is a good way to maintain a positive drain flow by eliminating sinks that fill with water when they aren’t supposed to. The best way for homeowners like you and me to remove air from plumbing pipes is with an air compressor. Here’s how you can remove it with air compressor.
Disconnect the Supply Lines. Make sure valves are closed. If available, shut off water main at street. Open faucet slowly until water starts to run out. Then close faucet completely (this creates back-pressure on pipe system, forcing remaining air out). Do all faucets in house if possible; otherwise start with most distant fixtures first.
Can I Remove Air from my Plumbing System Myself?
Most plumbing systems are closed systems, which mean there is little chance for air to become trapped within them. However, in some cases it can happen because of leaks and other problems. If you notice strange sounds coming from your pipes or water that just won’t drain away, you may have an air pocket that needs removing. Before attempting any do-it-yourself repair, turn off all water sources leading into and out of your home so you don’t create any unwanted floods while working.
Tools needed for removing air from plumbing pipes
The following tools will be needed for removing air from plumbing pipes: The first thing that you need is a plunger. This is usually sold at any hardware store and can be used if there is a clog in your toilet or sink. You are going to need some tape (duct, electrical or masking). You will also need some rags, pipe wrench and finally a snake. There are many different types of snakes but they all work basically on the same principle. They have a cable with sharp edges that are designed to make their way through various pipes and cut off air pockets.
It should be mentioned here that not just anyone can remove air from plumbing pipes as it takes quite a bit of skill and knowledge. If you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, consider hiring an expert.
Safety precautions before removing air from plumbing pipes
While home improvement shows may have made it seem simple, plumbing work can be dangerous. If you’re going to remove air from your plumbing pipes, make sure you follow all safety precautions before attempting any of these methods. Remember that removing air from plumbing pipes can result in flooding and that leaving a faucet on while doing so can waste a lot of water. It’s also extremely important that you know where your main water shut-off valve is located at all times. This could be a life or death situation if there’s ever an emergency requiring you to shut off your water supply.
Additionally, many city ordinances require that homeowners replace air after removing it; otherwise, toilets won’t function properly until they are refilled with air. Finally, there are other ways for homeowners to prevent excess amounts of air from entering their plumbing pipes without having to physically remove it themselves.
Conclusion
Most professional plumbers would never even consider attempting to remove air from pipes without specialized equipment. The risk of creating a back-flow is simply too great, and that’s only in reference to regular plumbing pipes.
When it comes to pressurized pipes, air removal is a matter of life and death; inexperienced plumbers would be better off hiring someone more qualified instead of trying to remove air on their own with an average toolkit at home.
