Why Does Air Keep Coming Out of My Faucet?
A faucet that spits air rather than water points to a plumbing concern. Occasional sputtering that stops after a moment or two tends to be a small matter, whereas air appearing alongside water whenever the faucet is used can signal something more significant.
By Taylor Evans
Air in a faucet can be a sign of pressure trouble.
When air comes out of your faucet in place of water, that can be a sign of a plumbing problem. Should the faucet only sputter once or twice before returning to normal, the cause is likely minor. If, however, air shows up together with water each time you turn the faucet on, the underlying issue could be more serious.
Issues With the Pump
Air being forced out of your faucet may point to a problem with your water pump. Pumps are sometimes more powerful than they need to be, pushing more water through pipes that are somewhat too small for the volume. Add air pressure adjustment devices into the mix, and you can run into trouble such as noisy water hammer, in which high-pressure water strikes pipes with too much force and drives air pockets ahead of the water at high speed. When several faucets are expelling air, the cause is likely related to the pump.
Issues With Valves
Several valves are involved in starting and stopping water flow whenever you use a faucet. Over time, valves can deteriorate and begin to leak, and through those leaks air can enter your plumbing system, later being released when you turn the pipes on. A valve with a close connection to your sink system might be admitting air at a critical location, producing the effect.
Issues With Pipes
Many plumbing systems include air cushions whose purpose is to help the system halt water flow more effectively. At times, even when there are no valve leaks or water pressure problems, pipes that contain air can discharge some of it into the system. Even a modest amount may be forced out of a fully opened faucet with some force. Pipes themselves can also spring leaks that admit air, particularly at the joints.
Things to Consider About the Water
If your faucet has never given you air problems before, you should not jump to the conclusion that something is permanently wrong with your plumbing system. When you use up your hot water or have a new plumbing appliance installed, a certain amount of air in the system is normal and ought to clear after a few uses. Water shortages can bring about this problem as well, even when plumbing equipment is functioning as it should, so confirm that the problem keeps happening before you call a plumber.
