DIY Plumbing Repairs – Curing an Airlock

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An airlock can cause poor or intermittent flow or that crazy banging noise made by the locked pipe bouncing around. An airlock usually forms in a high point of the plumbing and is caused when gas rises through the water.

Curing an airlock is a case of brute force – push the air back out with water.

Connect the affected tap by a length of hose to another tap connected to the mains supply – airlocks often occur in the bathroom – above the kitchen – so a hose between the bath and kitchen sink is perfect.  But I’ll bet you’ve not got a hose that long available – don’t panic – contact Kent Building Services and we’ll come to your rescue!

If you have a suitable pipe attached to both blocked and working taps, turn both on – the pressure of the mains water will push the airlock out – it may take a few minutes to work and you may need to repeat the process to get all the air out.  After a couple of minutes, turn the airlocked tap off first, then the mains tap, then don’t forget to drain the hose into the lowest part before removing it from the highest pipe.

If you’re still airlocked – you need a professional – contact Kent Building Services – Builders of Distinction in Kent and the South East.

Winter Repairs – thawing a frozen pipe

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As the winter takes hold properly, it’s a good idea to check that pipes are properly insulated against the cold to prevent freezing and bursting.  Take extra special care to check external pipes and those on external walls or in locations that could let a cold wind blow through.

Be extra safe – Kent Building Services can check and fix your plumbing for you – call us today on 0800 633 5929

Water pipes are damaged when the water in them freezes – solid water takes up more space than liquid – so the ice bursts the pipe – unfortunately you might not find out until it’s too late.

What to do if you discover a frozen pipe

Firstly, check the section of frozen pipe for splits or damage – if you find any you’ll need the section of pipe repaired or replaced – contact Kent Building Services for help – so you should turn off the water supply to that pipe straightaway.

If no damage is evident, turn on the tap that the pipe feeds enough to let the water flow once the frozen blockage is removed.  The next job is to thaw the frozen blockage.  Being careful to ensure that any electrical appliance will not get wet, you can use a hairdryer or blowtorch to thaw the blockage – remember not to use too much heat on plastic pipes as they will melt and result in an even bigger problem.  If you are using a blowtorch, heat the pipe slowly and gently – indirect heat is probably best and be careful as solder joints between pipe sections could also be melted by too much heat.

If you are not able to locate the blockage start thawing the pipe from the end closest to the tap and work backwards.  You’ll know when you’ve found it when the water starts to flow!

For any winter plumbing problems – or for all your plumbing needs, including fitting kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems - contact Kent Building Services – Builders of Distinction in Kent and the South East.