To remove an air lock from a shower, the goal is to use water pressure to push the air bubble out of the pipe. Here's how to do it:
Understanding Air Locks
An air lock occurs when air gets trapped in your plumbing system, preventing water from flowing freely. This can manifest as a shower with weak pressure or no water at all. The solution is to use mains water pressure to displace the air.
Method for Removing an Air Lock
The provided reference, a YouTube video titled "Unblock an airlock in the hot water system in ten seconds," demonstrates using the mains pressure to push the air out. The following method is based on this technique:
- Identify the Affected Tap: Figure out which hot or cold water tap is affected by the airlock.
- Turn On the Mains: Make sure the mains water supply is fully turned on to utilize the full pressure.
- Open the Tap Fully: Fully open the affected tap (the one that isn't producing water as expected) and leave it open.
- Wait: The mains pressure will push water through the pipes and, eventually, push the airlock out.
- Listen: You might hear gurgling or spluttering as the air is forced out.
- Check the Water Flow: Once the flow is normal, the air lock has been removed.
Reference: The video demonstrates that “what's happening is the mains pressure is pushing the water back it through the pipe. All the way through the house. And hopefully unblocking the airlock.”
Additional Tips
- Check Other Taps: Open other taps in the house to ensure the mains water pressure is consistent throughout the system.
- Time: The process may take a few minutes to clear the airlock, so be patient.
- Repeat if Needed: If the airlock doesn't clear on the first try, repeat the process.
Why This Works
This method is effective because it leverages the force of the mains water supply to push the trapped air through the pipes. By opening the affected tap, you create a path for the air to escape, allowing the water to flow freely again. The technique is simple, quick, and doesn't require any specialized tools.