How to Tackle Air-Locks
What is an air-lock?
An air-lock is a bubble of air in a water system that creates an obstacle, slowing the rate of flow or stopping it altogether.
When an air-lock occurs, the bubble slowly forces its way to the top of the plumbing system because it is lighter than the surrounding liquid.
Along the way, it can collect and incorporate smaller air bubbles, creating an even larger air pocket. When the pocket hits the top of the plumbing, it will prevent water from moving through the system because it cannot force its way past the air bubble or push the air bubble down the piping.
Air-locks can occur in a wide variety of water systems, and there are several procedures that can be used to address them:
Below is a procedure for cleaning air-locks:
Turn off pump
Remove shower head from hose
Let hose hang into bath or shower tray
Turn the temperature to full cold
Turn the shower on and run for 5 minutes*
Turn the temperature to full hot
Run for a further 5 minutes*
Turn off the shower
Wait at least 20 minutes
Turn the temperature back to full cold
Turn the temperature back on and run for 5 minutes
Turn the temperature to full hot
Run for a further 5 minutes
Turn off the shower
Wait at least 20 minutes
Re-power the pump, refit head and turn on the shower to test.
NB : If the shower has a fixed head, you will need to remove the spray plate and fix a 2m length of hose to enable test.
* If no water flows initially, wait for it to start (in extreme cases, this can take over an hour) and then do not start timing until there is a smooth continuous flow of water from the hose.
If you have any problems, call technical: 01793 820142
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