Air Lock Hot Water -

If local pressure drops below the vapor pressure of hot water (e.g., at pump suction, in a sharp bend, or after a closed valve), flash steam forms. Steam pockets are more problematic because they collapse upon cooling, causing water hammer and potential pipe damage.

Cold water contains roughly 8–10 mg/L of dissolved air (at 20°C, 1 atm). Upon heating to 60–80°C, solubility drops by nearly 50%. This released air coalesces into microbubbles, which migrate to stagnant zones or high points, forming an air lock over time. air lock hot water

Remove the hose and turn on the hot tap. If the water flows steadily, the air lock is gone. You may need to repeat this 2–3 times for stubborn blocks. Alternative Method: The Washing Machine Trick If local pressure drops below the vapor pressure

The symptoms of air locks in hot water systems include: Upon heating to 60–80°C, solubility drops by nearly 50%

To resolve air locks in hot water systems, the following steps can be taken:

Air locks rarely happen without a reason. Common causes include: