What is causing air in house water lines?

[BigGG]

Yes, it is a submersible pump, 130 or so feet in the ground.

Re the air control valve, are you thinking that the tank has too much air and not enough water in it?

Yes, that's my thought. As for why more air in the water heater, I'm thinking the line to the water heater may be coming off the top of the main line.

 

[Travelover]

Do you have a new water heater?

No. It is at least 10 years old.

 

[Travelover]

Yes, that's my thought. As for why more air in the water heater, I'm thinking the line to the water heater may be coming off the top of the main line.

I'm going to try to determine the level of water in the pressure tank relative to the level of the exit pipe and the float location. I'm thinking of pouring hot water on the side like you do with a propane tank to show the level..

 

[steve tym]

Run your hand down the side of the tank, you should be able to feel the cold water. Or, like all us pump guys do, knock on the side of the tank.

 

[Travelover]

Run your hand down the side of the tank, you should be able to feel the cold water. Or, like all us pump guys do, knock on the side of the tank.

Thanks. I think this YouTube video sums it up.

 

[Travelover]

Run your hand down the side of the tank, you should be able to feel the cold water. Or, like all us pump guys do, knock on the side of the tank.

I took a heat gun and heated a vertical strip up the side. This made it easy to spot the level. Unfortunately I had been messing around with the air pressure and the level was good. I'll let it renormalize and check the level again, especially if it starts hissing out the faucets.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

My immediate thought on hearing that there's more in the hot water than in the cold is it's not air, the water heater is producing hydrogen gas.

 

[BigGG]

I took a heat gun and heated a vertical strip up the side. This made it easy to spot the level. Unfortunately I had been messing around with the air pressure and the level was good. I'll let it renormalize and check the level again, especially if it starts hissing out the faucets.

What does 'messing around with the air pressure' mean?

 

[steve tym]

I suspect the water heater also. The new water heaters come turned up so high, they "make" air. With an air release on the cold water tank (if it's working properly) it should bleed any excess air coming from the well side. Keep an eye on the water level in the tank. It will vary depending on where the system is in it's pressure cycle, but if it starts to creep down, the air release has probably failed and the bleeder in the well is adding too much air to the system, which it does, that's why there is an air release.

 

[weldingisfun]

Have the same problem. Turns out we have gas in the water. Most noticeable in the hot water because it is contained and the gas is able to dissipate but is captured in the water heater then pushed unto the waterlines. Harmless but a PITA. Well is 25 years old problem popped up in just the last 2 or 3 years.