Having air in your water pipes can cause a number of problems. It can cause water pressure to drop, create a loud banging sound when the water is turned off, and can even cause your water heater to overheat. Bleeding air from water pipes can help to resolve these issues and is a relatively easy process. Here is a guide to how to bleed air from water pipes.
Step One: Shut Off the Water Supply
The first step in bleeding air from water pipes is to shut off the water supply to the pipes. This can be done by shutting off the main water supply valve, which is typically located outside near the water meter. Once the main water supply valve has been shut off, it is important to open up all of the faucets in the house to ensure that the water pressure in the pipes is completely relieved.
Step Two: Open Air Relief Valves
Once the water supply has been shut off and all faucets have been opened, the next step is to open up the air relief valves. Air relief valves are typically located near the top of the water pipes, and they look like small round caps with a slot in the middle. To open the air relief valves, simply turn them in a counter-clockwise direction. Make sure to turn them only a few full rotations, as turning them too far can cause them to break.
Step Three: Listen for Air Escaping
Once the air relief valves have been opened, it is important to listen for any air that may be escaping. If air is escaping, it should sound like a hissing noise. If the air relief valves are not releasing any air, then the water pressure in the pipes may be too high and will need to be relieved.
Step Four: Close the Air Relief Valves
Once the air has been released from the pipes, it is important to close the air relief valves. To close the valves, simply turn them in a clockwise direction. Make sure to turn them only a few full rotations, as turning them too far can cause them to break. Once the air relief valves have been closed, it is important to turn the main water supply valve back on.
Step Five: Check for Leaks
Once the main water supply valve has been turned back on, it is important to check for any leaks. Make sure to check all faucets and pipes for any signs of leaking. If there are any leaks, it is important to repair them quickly as they can lead to water damage.
Step Six: Check Water Pressure
The last step in bleeding air from water pipes is to check the water pressure. To do this, simply turn on a faucet and check the pressure. If the pressure is too low, then the air relief valves may need to be opened again. If the pressure is too high, then the main water supply valve may need to be adjusted.
Conclusion
Bleeding air from water pipes is a relatively easy process that can help to resolve a number of issues. The process involves shutting off the water supply, opening the air relief valves, listening for air escaping, closing the air relief valves, checking for leaks, and checking the water pressure. If done correctly, this process can help to ensure that your pipes are free of air and running correctly.