How Do You Fix Trapped Air in a Boiler? – Effective Solutions For Fixing a Trapped Boiler

Are you having boiler issues? Is your boiler making strange noises or having issues with your water flow? This could be a symptom of trapped air in your boiler. In this article we will discuss the causes for trapped air, what to do about it, and when you should consider professional help. After reading this article, you will come away more informed and ready to tackle the problem head on!

SUMMARY

Understanding Trapped Air in a Boiler

What Causes Trapped Air in a Boiler?

Several factors indicate trapped air in a boiler. These factors can disrupt the efficient operation of your heating system. For example, if your boiler is not installed properly, it can create areas where air can become trapped. Water leaks in a heating system can also introduce air into the system. When the water escapes, it creates a vacuum, allowing air to enter the loose or damaged joints. This leads to airlocks within the boiler. Living in an area with large temperature changes can cause the heating system to contract and expand, releasing tiny air bubbles into the water. Over time, this can accumulate into larger air bubbles. Other causes could be corrosion, low water pressure, and faulty components like valves or pumps.

Symptoms of Trapped Air

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of trapped air can manifest in relatively similar ways. Some common symptoms of trapped air are the absence of hot water, the boiler’s radiator being cold or partially warm to the touch, strange gurgling, bubbling, or tapping noises emanating from the boiler or pipes, low water pressure, fluctuating water flow, or loud banging and clunking sounds. Any of these symptoms could be an indication that there is trapped air in a boiler.

Effective Methods to Fix Trapped Air in Your Boiler

Bleeding the Radiators

One highly effective method to release the trapped air is to bleed the radiator, and we will provide easy-to-follow instructions to do just that. First, turn off your heating system and leave it to cool for about half an hour. Next, fetch a radiator bleed key and a small towel to absorb any water that may drip out. Once you have found the bleed valve, place a towel underneath it and use the radiator key to slowly turn it counterclockwise counterclockwise. If you hear hissing, that is a good sign. It means the trapped air is escaping. Lastly, once you see a steady stream of water, you can close the valve. This means that all the trapped air has been released, and no air pocket is blocking the water.

Using the Garden Hose Method

The second most effective method is to use the garden hose method to get rid of trapped air inside a boiler. First, you should locate the stopcock (usually under a kitchen sink) and turn it off to prevent any flooding from happening. Then, you can drain the system by opening all the hot water taps in your home. This will ensure no leftover water will interfere with the air removal process. Use a garden hose and attach it to an outdoor tap. Preferably the lowest hot water tap. Then, you can turn the outdoor tap on and allow the water in your hose to flow back into your hot water system. The pressure from the house should dislodge any trapped air within the pipes. If you hear any hissing or bubbling signs, the hose is doing its job, allowing any trapped air to escape. Once it is all clear, you can disconnect the house and refill your hot water system by reopening the stopcock valve. Whichever method you choose, make sure you know what you are doing. You don’t want to make the issue any worse!

When to Call a Professional for Trapped Air In a Boiler

Sometimes, you can figure the problem out independently and need professional help. Knowing your limits on what you can do and asking for help is important. For example, suppose you are still experiencing a lack of hot air, cold spots on radiators, fluctuating water pressure, and unusual gurgling and hissing noises. In that case, you should probably call a professional after you have tried to bleed the radiator. This is especially recommended if you have tried to resolve the airlock through many different DIY methods but to no avail. Suppose you notice any damage to the radiator, like leaks or corrosion. In that case, professional help is needed since they can provide an expert diagnosis of why the problem occurred and how to fix it. In the future, they can provide you with comprehensive solutions on how to fix the problem and cost-efficient options for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to trapped air in boilers causing airlocks, it is important to resolve the issue quickly to avoid any long-term damage and prevent potential health hazards. That’s why we can provide quality services at Ambient Cooling and Heating. From installation to maintenance and repairs, our skilled technicians are equipped to handle any heating service-related challenge. You can trust us to provide peace of mind and optimal indoor comfort year-round! You can contact us and schedule a booking to access our extensive, high-quality services today.