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air bubble in upstairs system!

2K views 27 replies 8 participants last post by  oh'mike 
#1 ·
Whenever someone in my house has a bath, 50% of the time this will lead to all the cold water upstairs not working. It's an air bubble in the pipe somewhere which is the cause. I have tried various methods to fix this problem each time it occurs, including using a Hoover to try n suck it out; fixing a tube from a working tap onto a not working one. But the only sure way we have fixed this for years is to blow air from the mouth into the open cold tap,and it usually dislodges the bubble. The problem is that blowing that much air is a massive pain, often leaving me feeling like I'm gonna collapse!
My question is:surely there is an easier way to solve this problem, or what is the cause of it?if I knew I could try and prevent it happening again.

Thanks for any help you can provide
 
#2 ·
try running cold water at all affected taps while filling tub..this may work OR at least lead you to the cause by observing the water flows..How's the water pressure? Do you have copper pipes or old plugged up galvanized OR if new PEX..may be collapsing the common tubing somewhere in the supply.

weird or what!
 
#12 ·
Steel pipe rust from the inside out, at some point it is going to at least leak, some will burst, and the inside Dia. gets smaller and smaller restricting flow which reduces pressure to the fixtures.
Also as the rust flakes off it stops up toilet flush valves, aeriators on faucets, locks up anti scald valves in the control valve in the tub, loads up the bottom of the tank on water heaters.
 
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#4 ·
techpappy said:
try running cold water at all affected taps while filling tub..this may work OR at least lead you to the cause by observing the water flows..How's the water pressure? Do you have copper pipes or old plugged up galvanized OR if new PEX..may be collapsing the common tubing somewhere in the supply.

weird or what!
That's a very good idea!I will certainly try that next time. The water pressure isnt that strong,normal I would say, and I have no idea what the pipes are made out of. My house is 25
 
#10 ·
oh'mike said:
I think you have diagnosed this wrong----any air in a pipe would be passed without issue,by opening the nearest faucet.

I agree with DannyT---Look for sediment in the faucet valves--shutoffs or cartridges---
Could sediment really be the issue? How do I look in the valves? I'm sorry, I have no idea where to find the valve,or check if there is sediment inside?
 
#18 ·
The OP stated the house is only 25 years old in London (Ontario?), so, no way should it have steel/galvanizred pipes...would be copper so, that just leaves the valves.

IODIY>>take all taps apart and clean out/change washers/cartridges. You can google each e.g., how to change cartridge etc. Valves must be rusted or clogged inside. as stated
 
#21 ·
We are moving to a new (to us) house (circa 1957) over the next 20 days so, I am taking a sabbatical and won't be able to offer my sage advice:laughing: for a while. However, I will be back, likely looking for advice as will be taking on a few projects. Kitchen and bath being at the top of the list. At least the oil furnace is only 8 yrs old.

Wishing success to everyone. Keep on truckin'!!:thumbup:

Techpappy:whistling2:
 
#23 ·
techpappy said:
The OP stated the house is only 25 years old in London (Ontario?), so, no way should it have steel/galvanizred pipes...would be copper so, that just leaves the valves.

IODIY>>take all taps apart and clean out/change washers/cartridges. You can google each e.g., how to change cartridge etc. Valves must be rusted or clogged inside. as stated
I'm in London,England, but I think you are right that they would ve
 
#27 ·
My apologies for the hijack but just had to:

JoeCaption JFYI.....new 100 A panel..but, still 12 -2 wiring, all new copper but still cast drains, all new insulation, at least in attic, all new vinyl windows.....mostly just needs some updated electrical, painting and flooring...YOU SADIST!!...Goody, indeed!!!:laughing:
 
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