Hot Water Heater Air in Line: Troubleshooting and Repair

Hot water heaters with an air in line can be a real nuisance, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Air in the line can cause issues with temperature control and even lead to leaks.

If you notice cold water coming out of the faucet, it's likely due to air in the line. This is because air can prevent hot water from reaching the faucet, resulting in cold water.

A faulty temperature and pressure relief valve can also cause air to enter the line. This valve is designed to release excess pressure and temperature, but if it's not functioning correctly, air can seep in.

Air in the line can also be caused by a loose or corroded pipe connection.

Air in hot water lines can come from a variety of sources. Incorrect installation or recent plumbing work can introduce air into the lines.

A faulty pressure tank or valve can also allow air to enter the system. This can happen if the air wasn't fully purged during installation.

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A drop in pressure from the water source, such as during a repair, can also introduce air into the lines. Regular maintenance by professionals can minimize these occurrences.

Air may also enter the lines due to a reaction between the anode rod and the water. In this case, a powered anode rod can help prevent the reaction and stop the air from entering the lines.

Trapped air can be released when you use the hot water in any faucet inside your house, affecting the water pressure. However, the real problem is usually coming from the water heater, not the water supply.

The first step in diagnosing air in your hot water line is to determine if the issue is related to installation. If the air problem begins shortly after installing your new water heater, it's likely related to installation.

A good place to start is by listening for unusual noises when you turn on the hot water taps. Bubbles often indicate trapped air.

Inspect connections and ensure all fittings are tight. Check for leaks that might have allowed air into the system.

If your water sputters, it could suggest trapped air bubbles or blockages in the line.

Bleeding the air by opening all water fixtures until a steady stream flows can help release the trapped air.

If the problem persists, you may need professional help.

Here are some common causes of air in hot water lines:

Removing air from your hot water lines is a crucial step in ensuring smooth water flow. Start by turning off the water heater, then open all hot water faucets, starting from the lowest point in your home.

You may need to check for leaks that allow air into the system. Opening all faucets from the lowest to the highest point in your home allows air to escape.

The sound of your fixtures spitting out bursts of air bubbles is a typical occurrence if the water lines weren't bled out enough after a new water heater was installed.

There are several common actions that can introduce air into a plumbing system, including opening an existing line to change or add a fitting, tapping into an existing line to add a new water line, or removing and replacing a section of the water line.

To purge air, fully fill the water heater, then open all hot faucets. Let the water run steadily for a few minutes until the sputtering stops.

On average, it should only take 2 to 3 minutes to remove all of the air bubbles from your hot water line using a tub faucet. However, this process can take longer on larger homes with more sections of plumbing lines.

Here's a simple process to follow:

If you're still experiencing air coming out of your faucets after bleeding them out, it could be a sign of another problem, such as a faulty pressure relief valve on your water heater.

The pressure relief valve is a crucial component of your water heater, designed to release excess pressure or hot water. It's usually located on the side or top of the tank with a discharge pipe connected to it.

This valve is meant to relieve air or water when there's an excess of pressure within the tank or if the water being held inside it is too hot. If it gets clogged or fails, it can trap air inside the tank and introduce it into your water lines.

You can test the T&P relief valve to see if it's the problem, and if it's not working properly, it can cause air to become trapped in the lines.

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If you're facing air in your hot water line after installing a new water heater, Corro-Protec's powered anode rods can be a game-changer. They can stop the corrosion inside the water heater, which stops the reaction that creates hydrogen sulfide gas in the hot water lines.

The issue might be caused by a reaction between your rod and the water, but Corro-Protec's powered anode made of titanium will protect your water heater and prevent that reaction from ever coming back. This is evident from a customer who had an issue with air bubbles in the hot water line after installing a new water heater with a magnesium anode rod, which was covered in deposits that created the air bubbles.

Releasing trapped air might be a solution, but it's not always the case. In fact, a customer who installed a Corro-Protec anode rod in their water heater had air bubbles disappear just as soon as the new rod was installed. They no longer have any air in their lines and the smell is completely gone.

Adjustments to water pressure or assessing the expansion tank might also be necessary. However, if adjustments don't fix the problem, contacting experts can save time and effort.

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To purge air from a newly installed water heater, fully fill the water heater and then open all hot faucets, letting the water run steadily for a few minutes until the sputtering stops.

There are alternative methods to eliminate excessive air in your hot water system, such as using your washer.

To use your washer, disconnect your red (hot) water pipe and connect the blue (cold) pipe in its place. Open up the cold water and hot water tap and allow them to run for 3 to 5 seconds.

If the problem persists, repeat the process of opening the taps and allowing them to run for 3 to 5 seconds.

Be sure to switch the main water line off before attempting to resolve the issue, and start with the top floor or the fixture closest to where the water supply enters your house.

Opening all faucets and allowing the water to run will permit the air to escape, and when the air begins to flow normally, turn off all the fixtures and switch back on the water line.

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In some cases, you may need to use a garden hose to drain the water and allow the air to escape. Find one of the spigots on the return line and connect a garden hose to it, then open up the spigot and self-feeding valve to drain the water into a bucket or drain.