What Causes Air in Water Pipes With a Well: What the Pros Say

It’s early in the morning and you’re getting ready to start your day. After putting toothpaste on your toothbrush, you turn on the tap only to be greeted by sputtering water and an annoying rush of air through the pipes. Air in your pipes isn’t uncommon, but once you know the reasons behind it you can address the issue and prevent it from happening again—especially with some advice from the pros who've seen it all. Get ready to say goodbye to those air bubbles in your pipes!

Causes of Air in the Water Pipes of Your Well

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Air in the water pipes from a well often boils down to a few key factors. The most common culprit is a waterlogged pressure tank, where excess air accumulates, but it’s not the only thing that can create air. Understanding all of the potential causes of air in your well pipes is the first step to ensuring you have a consistent and reliable water supply in your home.

1. Waterlogged Pressure Tank

Over time, pressure tanks can become waterlogged, causing air to accumulate. Drain the tank to release the excess water, or replace the tank if it's old or damaged.

2. Faulty Check Valve

A faulty check valve allows air to enter the system when the pump is off. Replace the check valve to prevent any backflow of air and water.

3. Leaking Drop Pipe or Casing

Cracks or leaks in the well's drop pipe or casing can introduce air. Seal the leaks or replace the damaged sections of the pipe or casing.

4. Fluctuations in Water Table Level

Changes in the water table level can cause air to enter the system. Regularly monitor the water table, and adjust the well pump's depth accordingly.

5. Drop in Static Water Level

A drop in the static water level can allow air to enter the pipes. For this one, it’s best to consult a professional to assess and deepen the well to reach the static water level.

6. Poor Installation or Maintenance

Inadequate installation or irregular maintenance can lead to air issues. If you need to replace your current well, it’s smart to hire a professional to install it or replace pipes so you know they’re done correctly. Then schedule yearly maintenance to prevent any more air from entering the system.

Signs of Air in Your Water Pipes

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Monitoring your water quality helps you find air and other issues in your water pipes, as air can affect taste and odor. Plus, recognizing common signs of air in your pipes—like sputtering faucets or gurgling sounds—can help you take action to resolve the problem before it becomes too big.

Signs of Complete Well Pump Failure

Well pump failure is a more severe issue than simply having air in the pipes, and the results can be alarming. The signs of a total failure are a bit more severe and include:

• A complete loss of water supply which leads to dry taps

• Electrical problems, such as frequent tripped breakers, which lead to a sudden spike in your energy bills

• Corrosion or physical damage to the pump components

• A well that continuously runs without delivering water

• A pump that won't start at all 

If you find one of these signs that you need a new well pump, contact a local professional so you can fix it and preserve the rest of your well. 

Fixing Well Pipes: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While identifying the causes of air in your well pipes is valuable, the complexities of well systems often require professional expertise in order to fix them. Attempting DIY repairs can lead to costly mistakes, worsen the problem, or even compromise the safety of your well. 

If you find issues related to air in your well pipes or any other significant well system problems, reach out to a professional well technician near you for a detailed inspection. They'll identify the root cause, whether it's a damaged pump, air in the pipes, or electrical problems. Based on their assessment, they'll recommend and execute the necessary repairs or replacements.