It is important to not take an airlock in your gravity fed sealed system lightly. It can be a hassle, but it is possible to fix it with a few simple steps.
Common causes of airlock in water pipes
An air lock in your plumbing system is a frustrating problem that can be difficult to fix. In fact, if you have the time and energy to make the repair yourself, it can be a great way to save money on professional help.
While air locks are generally caused by a blocked vent pipe, some can be attributed to a simple kinking of a hose pipe. To allow water to flow, connect a hose to your faucet if it is leaking.
It is also possible that your old storage water tank has made its way into your plumbing system. If you are not sure whether the source is an actual leak or just a bad connection, a plumber can inspect your plumbing system to determine the root of the problem.
An air lock in a cold-water supply pipe will prevent water from flowing completely. This can be fixed by connecting a hose to a nearby tap. To force air out of the pipes, you may need to run it for a while.
It is best to keep your water system leaking free to avoid an air lock. This may mean making a few minor repairs, or even modifying your pipes.
Troubleshooting rotary airlock valve problems
Whether your rotary airlock valve is part of a sealed or gravity fed system, there are a number of common problems that can occur. There are also ways to solve them. The solution is simple.
The first step is to inspect the valve to find the source of the problem. If you are dealing with a squeaking rotor, this is usually a sign that the rotor isn’t turning as smoothly as it should. This can be caused by a gearbox problem, a foreign object in the inlet, or a faulty supply line.
Another problem that can occur is a buildup of material on the rotor blades. If this happens, you might need to take the valve out of the system and clean the blades. If the buildup is severe, the rotor may need to be replaced.
Other issues can include excessive leakage. In this case, flexible seal strips can be used to correct the issue. These types of strips are attached to the blades with bolts. These can be made of many materials, but are most commonly used with carbon steel and stainless steel.
Material flow problems can also be caused by the rotor tips. If the tips are worn down, they can become a source of air leakage.
Rotor-to-housing clearances can also be an issue. These must be kept within a tolerance of 0.003 inches to 0.012 inches. Any gap greater than this can result in a combustible dust danger.
Preventing airlock in pipes
Having an airlock in your plumbing system can cause many problems. It can slow down the flow of water and also prevent hot water from circulating around the radiator. This can lead to a cold radiator and may even trigger a central heating system repair commercial. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and fix these occurrences.
Sealing leaks in pipes is one of the easiest ways to prevent an airlock. An airlock is a small pocket of air that gets trapped inside the pipe. This air will eventually be flushed out by pressure from the water flowing through the pipe. This should be a natural process in a well-designed low pressure water pipe system.
Installing a black-over expansion pipe to stop air from entering your pipes is a more complicated way to avoid airlocks. This is especially important in gravity fed water systems, which make airlock removal tricky.
Another option is to use the hosepipe to solve your problem. You can connect a flexible hose to both your hot and cold water taps, depending on your situation. Once you have tied the ends together you can attach the hose to the problem tap.
You need to be careful in order to get the best results. To transport the air out of the pipe, the water must flow at a steady rate.