How to Get Air Out of Your Plumbing Lines Fast & Safely

If your faucets are sputtering, your pipes are knocking, or your water pressure feels weak, you might have air trapped in your plumbing lines. It’s a common issue—but the good news is, it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get air out of your plumbing lines safely and effectively, even if you’ve never touched a wrench before. No more guessing or calling a plumber for something you can handle yourself!

Why Does Air Get Trapped in Plumbing Lines?

Air enters your plumbing system for several reasons:

• After plumbing repairs (e.g., replacing a faucet or water heater)
• Municipal water supply interruptions (like when your city shuts off water for maintenance)
• Low water pressure allowing air pockets to form
• Well system issues (common in rural homes)

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, air in pipes doesn’t usually damage your system—but it can cause annoying noise, inconsistent water flow, and even premature wear on valves and fixtures.

💡 Fun fact: A 2022 study by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association found that 68% of “noisy pipe” service calls were resolved simply by bleeding air from the lines.

How to Get Air Out of Your Plumbing Lines: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps in order. Most fixes take under 15 minutes and require no special tools.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply

Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve (usually in the basement, garage, or near the water meter). Turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents new water—and more air—from entering the system during the process.

Step 2: Open All Faucets (Hot & Cold)

Start with the highest faucet in your home (often an upstairs bathroom sink), then work your way down to the lowest (like a basement utility sink or outdoor spigot).

• Open both hot and cold handles fully
• Also flush all toilets once
• Leave all fixtures open

This creates a path for air to escape as water re-enters the system.

Step 3: Turn the Main Water Supply Back On

Slowly turn the main valve counter-clockwise to restore water flow. You’ll hear gurgling or hissing—that’s the air escaping through the open faucets.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Open the valve gradually over 10–15 seconds. Sudden pressure surges can cause water hammer (a loud banging noise) or damage old pipes.

Step 4: Close Faucets from Bottom to Top

Once water flows smoothly and steadily from every faucet (no sputtering!), start closing them—beginning with the lowest and moving upward.

This ensures air is pushed out completely and doesn’t get re-trapped in upper lines.

Step 5: Check Water Pressure & Flow

Test all fixtures:

• Shower should have strong, consistent spray
• Kitchen sink shouldn’t sputter
• Toilet should refill quickly and quietly

If problems persist, proceed to advanced fixes below.

Advanced Fixes for Stubborn Air Locks

Sometimes, air gets stuck in high points of your plumbing (like attic pipes or loops behind walls). Try these methods:

🔧 Method A: Use a Hose to Flush the System

1. Attach a garden hose to an outdoor spigot or laundry sink faucet.
2. Run the other end to a lower drainage point (like a floor drain or outside).
3. Open the faucet and let water run for 2–3 minutes at full pressure.
4. This creates a siphon effect that pulls trapped air out.

📏 Use at least 25 feet of hose for effective pressure differential. Water temperature isn’t critical—room temp (20–25°C / 68–77°F) works fine.

🔧 Method B: Bleed Air from Radiators or Baseboard Heaters (If Applicable)

Homes with hydronic heating often share plumbing loops. Trapped air here can affect domestic water lines.

• Locate the bleed valve on your radiator (small square knob).
• Place a towel underneath, then open the valve with a screwdriver or key.
• When water (not air) flows steadily, close the valve.

For more on how closed-loop systems work, see Wikipedia’s entry on hydronic heating .

Signs You’ve Successfully Removed the Air

✅ No more knocking, banging, or vibrating pipes
✅ Water flows smoothly from all faucets
✅ Consistent pressure in showers and sinks
✅ Toilets refill quietly and fully

If you still hear noise, it might not be air—water hammer (caused by fast-closing valves) could be the real culprit. In that case, install water hammer arrestors near problem fixtures.

Air in Pipes vs. Water Hammer: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference saves time—and unnecessary plumbing bills.

FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take to get air out of plumbing lines?

A: Most homes clear air in 5–15 minutes using the faucet-flushing method. Larger homes or complex systems may take up to 30 minutes.

Q: Can air in pipes cause damage?

A: Not directly. But persistent air pockets can reduce efficiency, cause pump strain (in well systems), or accelerate corrosion in metal pipes over time.

Q: Why do I keep getting air in my pipes?

A: Frequent air buildup often points to a leaky suction line (in well systems), a faulty pressure tank, or recurring municipal water shutoffs. If it happens weekly, consult a plumber.

Q: Does running hot water help remove air faster?

A: Not significantly. Both hot and cold lines need to be opened because air can be trapped in either. Always open both.

Q: Can I prevent air from entering my plumbing?

A: Partially. Install a pressure-reducing valve if your municipal pressure exceeds 80 psi, and maintain your well system (if applicable). But occasional air entry is normal after repairs or outages.

Q: Is it safe to do this myself?

A: Yes! Bleeding air is one of the safest DIY plumbing tasks. Just remember to turn off the main water first and open faucets slowly to avoid splashing.

Conclusion

Now you know how to get air out of your plumbing lines—quickly, safely, and without expensive tools. Whether it’s a post-repair hiccup or a city water interruption, this simple fix restores quiet, steady water flow in minutes.

Don’t let noisy pipes stress you out. Share this guide with a friend or neighbor who’s been dealing with sputtering faucets! 👉 Tap to share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter and help others solve their plumbing puzzles too.

Got a weird plumbing sound we didn’t cover? Drop a comment below—we love helping homeowners stay in control of their homes!