Air Lock in Water System

Joined
28 Apr 2020
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
Hi,

My mum lives in a flat and keeps on getting an air lock in the water system, i can clear this by using the mixer tap in the kitchen which pushes the air lock out.

the problem i have is this keeps on happening on a regular basis i was hoping somebody could advise if there is a way to clear it better?

Thanks in advance
 
Sponsored Links
does it happen when she runs the bath?

hot and cold taps together?

post a pic of the water tank(s) please.
 
As above dodgy float valve is your best bet. just hold it down and you should get a good flow.
 
Sponsored Links
From your description the airlock occurs only in the hot water supply.....(?)
If the hot water comes from a 'cold over hot' combination tank then I would agree with previous comments (except to say the answer is not a faulty float valve, rather the problem is that).
The problem is that the small cold water (CWS) tank empties when high water flows are drawn (such as filling a bath)...the filling valve (float valve) can't keep up and air is drawn into the hot tank and delivery pipework. The air won't clear if the pipework doesn't allow it to rise to a vent, hence the 'airlock'.

Refurbishing or replacing the cold water filling valve means the CWS tank refills faster, and its level is less likely to fall to zero, thus reducing incidences of 'airlock'.

If the CWS is in a loft then another solution may be needed.
 
Yes that’s correct possibly too although unlikely as it’s his mom in a flat.
The usual suspect of the random airlocks is the ballcock
Obviously tank sizing can play a part but it’s not the norm.
In the same way maybe the main passed through the downstairs flat and they’re doing work and keep turning the water off. Thus upstairs flat drains and airlocks! just keep it simple to start with!
 
So just to be clear my mums flat has recently been bought from the council so it has been maintained by them for a few years.

now i dont know what system is i know for a fact its not a combi boiler now there is a water tank(I think) in the cupoard which heats up water i assume there is another tank in the loft as she is the top floor flat.

i do remember a few years ago when the repairman came to sort the hot water not working due to the airlock it was him who told me how to unblock the airlock with the method i mentioned above. he did so if it happens on a regular basis something else will have to be done to clear the air lock on a regular basis

sorry for the confusion i am far from a plumber and i have asked a local plumber who seemed to be completly clueless of what the do with the issue
 
i have asked a local plumber who seemed to be completely clueless of what the do with the issue

Get a new local plumber, or if you are allowed and can get into the loft, then take a few pictures of the cold water storage tank float valve with the water running in the bath.

Don't fall through the ceiling and don't drop your phone in the water.

Andy
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top