September 28/2022

What to Do About Air Lock in Waste Pipe?

The plumbing system in your home is vital in ensuring your premises are safe and efficient. Like other essential systems on your premises, it is crucial to schedule regular inspections to ensure trivial issues are detected before wreaking havoc in your home. A common plumbing issue is an airlock in the waste pipes, and the signs to look out for include incomplete toilet flushes and slow drains. Lack of free-flowing air causes airlock problems, and Mr. Rooter Plumbing is your go-to pipe repair service for long-lasting solutions.

What is an airlock? This is the first question you must ask yourself before attempting any DIY solutions. An airlock is a trapped pocket of air in your drain lines, usually caused by a clogged vent pipe. Failure to address the problem early can restrict water flow and cause other plumbing issues.

Signs of an Air Lock in Your Plumbing

Since you can’t see what is in your drain lines, familiarize yourself with the different signs to look out for. Hiring a professional plumber to conduct routine inspections goes a long way in ensuring trivial symptoms are detected and addressed in time. Here are some signs that confirm an airlock in your waste pipe.

Slow Drains

If a drain in your home is not draining as expected, it could be caused by an airlock in your plumbing system. Keep an eye out for bubbling or gurgling in the toilet, which is usually followed by slow drains. You must schedule an inspection with a professional plumber if you see any of these signs in your home.

Incomplete Toilet Flush Cycle

A toilet that doesn’t complete a flush cycle, but water still swirls around the bowl as it goes down slowly, is a sign of an air lock problem. It is also accompanied by some gurgling in the shower, tub, and sink, prompting pipe repair before the situation becomes more pronounced.

Both scenarios can be caused by a blocked air vent, especially during the cold season when there’s a constant flow of air in and out of the roof air vent. The air freezes at the opening and builds up over time until it seals the duct completely.

Air Lock in Sump Pump

An airlock in your sump pump can cause significant damage that is costly to repair. The purpose of a sump pump is to move excess water from the basement floor and foundation. If this function is prevented, you risk compromising the structural integrity of your building and the subsequent water damage.

While an airlock problem is not usually a cause for concern, failure to address the problem can have severe repercussions on your plumbing. However, if a simple DIY solution doesn’t solve the problem, a professional pipe repair service should inspect to detect and rectify the situation. Contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and schedule an appointment with an experienced and well-equipped plumber. We guarantee quality plumbing services at competitive market rates.