How to Remove Air Lock from Water Tank

Comparison of a bathroom tap with low dripping water on the left and strong flowing water on the right, showing the effect of an air lock in plumbing.

Introduction

I think many of us have faced this annoying problem. we turn on the tap and instead of water flowing smoothly we hear strange gurgling sounds or get just a few drops. That’s usually because of an air lock in the water tank or pipe. When I first experienced it I didn’t even know what an air lock was. But once I figured it out I realized how easy it is to fix if we know the right steps.

What Is an Air Lock in a Water Tank?

An air lock happens when air gets trapped inside the water pipes or tank. That trapped air blocks the flow of water, causing low pressure or no water at all.

Diagram showing air lock inside a water pipe blocking water flow

Here’s how it usually happens:

After cleaning or refilling the tank
If the tank runs dry and refills suddenly
During plumbing repairs
If there’s a leak or loose connection

We should fix air locks quickly because they can stop water from reaching taps showers or even toilets. That’s not fun especially in summer.

What You’ll Need to Remove an Air Lock

Before we start here are a few things I use when removing an air lock:

Green hose, white bucket, spanner, and cloth towel laid out on beige background

A garden hose or flexible pipe
A bucket (just in case)
A wrench (if needed to loosen pipe joints)
A towel (for spills)
A friend or helper (optional but useful)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Air Lock from Water Tank

Step 1: Identify the Problem

First, we should check if the issue is really an air lock. Here are signs:

Person checking a bathroom tap with weak dripping water, identifying air lock problem in plumbing.

Water flow is weak or stops suddenly
You hear bubbling or gurgling sounds
Water comes out in bursts, not smoothly

If these things are happening, there’s a good chance it’s an air lock.

Step 2: Try the Simple Tap Method

This method works if you have two taps connected to the same water line one with strong pressure (like cold water) and one with weak or no flow (like hot water).

Two bathroom taps connected with a green hose, demonstrating the simple tap method to fix air lock in plumbing.

Here’s what we do:

Connect a hose between the two taps.
Open the weak tap first.
Then open the strong tap.
Let it run for 1–2 minutes.

The strong pressure pushes the trapped air out of the line. After that we should see smooth water flow from both taps.

Step 3: Use the Bucket Method

If you don’t have two taps we can use a bucket and hose:

Person placing a hose into a bucket of water, demonstrating the bucket method to remove air lock from plumbing.

Fill a bucket with water.
Place one end of the hose in the bucket.
Suck gently on the other end to get water flowing.
Connect the hose to the pipe or tap with the air lock.
Let water flow through until the air is pushed out.

Be careful not to swallow any water! We should always use clean water and tools.

Step 4: Bleed the Pipes

If the air lock is deep inside the pipe, we might need to bleed the system:

Hand turning a valve to bleed the plumbing system and release trapped air from pipes.

Turn off the main water supply.
Open all taps in the house start from the lowest floor and go up.
Wait for water to stop completely.
Close all taps.
Turn the water supply back on.

This resets the pressure and helps remove trapped air.

Step 5: Check for Leaks or Loose Connections

Sometimes, air enters the system because of a leak. We should check:

Close up of a leaking pipe joint with water drip, showing loose plumbing connection.

Pipe joints
Tank outlet
Tap connections

If we find a leak, we should fix it using plumber’s tape or call a professional.

Tips That I Learned Over Time

Always keep the tank filled to avoid air locks.
Use a hose with good pressure to push air out.
If the problem keeps happening, check for hidden leaks.
Don’t panic air locks are common and easy to fix.
We should teach others too it’s a great life skill!

How Often Should We Check for Air Locks?

We don’t need to check every day, but we should look out for signs:

Situation	Check for Air Lock
After tank cleaning	✅ Yes
After plumbing repairs	✅ Yes
If water flow is weak	✅ Yes
Regular use (no issues)	❌ Not needed

Meta Description

Learn how to remove air lock from a water tank with easy steps anyone can follow! Fix low water pressure gurgling taps and blocked pipes in minutes. Perfect for beginners and students.

FAQs

Q1: What causes air lock in water tanks?

Air locks happen when air gets trapped in the pipes usually after cleaning refilling or plumbing work.

Q2: Can air locks damage the pipes?

Not usually, but they can cause pressure problems. If we ignore them for too long they might lead to leaks or stress on the system.

Q3: Should I call a plumber for air lock?

If the basic methods don’t work or if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself then yes you should call a plumber.

Q4: Is it safe to suck on the hose to remove air?

It’s better to use gravity or a pump. If you do suck make sure the water is clean and don’t swallow it.

Q5: How long does it take to fix an air lock?

Most air locks can be removed in 5–10 minutes. If it’s a deep blockage it might take longer.

Final Thoughts

I think removing an air lock from a water tank is something we all should know. It’s simple useful and can save us from a lot of trouble. Whether you’re a student a homeowner or just someone curious this guide gives you everything you need.

We don’t need fancy tools or expert skills just a little patience and the right steps. So next time your tap acts weird, you’ll know exactly what to do. Let’s keep that water flowing!