Do you need to purge air from hot water heater?

Author: Miss Araceli Murray PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

It's recommended to purge your hot water heating system every fall before the heating season begins. This helps to avoid circulation problems and ensures your home stays warm.

Do you have to purge a water heater?

The more sediment and mineralization between the heating element and the water, the less efficient and effective your water heater will be. If you live in an area with hard water, you really need to be draining and flushing out this mineral buildup every 4-6 months.

Can air get trapped in hot water heater?

The air could indeed be coming from the system due to the recent water heater installation. During installation, air can get trapped in the system and it may take a bit of time for it to work its way out. This should resolve itself over time as the air is purged out through the faucets and showerhead.

How to remove air from a hot water heating system?

Bleed Valves: Most hot water heating systems are equipped with bleed valves (also known as air vents or petcocks) on radiators or at high points in the system. To remove air: - Turn off the boiler and allow it to cool. - Use a radiator key or appropriate tool to open the bleed valve slightly.

Do you have to bleed air out of a hot water heater?

Purging, or “bleeding,” air from a hot water system is essential for ensuring proper circulation and, in turn, a warm home.

How to Get Air Out of the Lines for the Hot Water Heater

How to get air out of a hot water system?

Starting from the top floor, turn all the taps on until they're approximately half-open, delivering half the normal amount of water flow. In this final step, you'll turn all the taps in your home back on at full to flush any remaining trapped air from the system.

What are the symptoms of air in a hot water heater?

Other signs that you have air in your water pipes are uneven water flow, air bubbles in the water, noises that can result from a phenomenon called water hammer, and problems with your dishwasher and washing machine.

How to bleed air out of a well water system?

Open Your Faucets and Water Connections

Open every faucet in your home with a one-half turn of the tap to drain your water with an even flow and release air from the line. Start with the taps closest to your well's main water valve and work your way throughout your home.

How long does it take to get air out of water heater?

If you have multiple tubs, open each one so the air is completely removed from your entire plumbing system. Regardless of how large your home is, the air should bleed out within 5 to 10 minutes.

How do you purge air from a heater?

What do you do?
  1. Put all radiators on their highest setting. ...
  2. Switch the central heating off. ...
  3. Go to the radiator that is closest to the boiler. ...
  4. Place the screwdriver or radiator key on the bleed tap and turn anti-clockwise until water comes out instead of air. ...
  5. Close the bleed tap again.

What to do if water heater is backdrafting?

Turn the heat down at the furnace or boiler (only if they share a vent) Close all windows and doors. If there are any fireplace dampers, close them. Turn on all exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

Should I flush a 7 year old water heater?

If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.

How do you purge a new water heater?

How to Flush a Water Heater in 7 Steps
  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater's Thermostat. ...
  2. Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Supply. ...
  3. Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply. ...
  4. Step 4: Turn On Your Hot Water In a Tub or Sink. ...
  5. Step 5: Connect the Drainage Spigot. ...
  6. Step 6: Turn on the Spigot and Drain. ...
  7. Step 7: Flush.

How do you purge air from a hot water line?

Remove air from your pipes in five easy steps:
  1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Valve. ...
  2. Open all the faucets in your house. ...
  3. Wait for All Faucets to Run Dry and Flush Toilets. ...
  4. Turn the Main Water Supply Back On. ...
  5. Turn All Faucets Off Again in the Correct Order.

How do you purge air from a water system?

To create a path for air to escape, you'll run all of your home's faucets, fixtures, and water-using appliances. Open each faucet about halfway, both hot and cold, open outdoor hose bibs, and flush all your toilets once. Run your dishwasher and washing machine through a short cycle.

Should you bleed air from water pipes?

In worse cases, the air pressure can cause water to shoot from the faucets. This trapped air can even cause loud thumping sounds when the water is turned on. To remove the air as well as get rid of any noises, you should know how to bleed plumbing pipes.

How long does it take to get air out of water lines?

While these sounds can be scary and seem like serious issues, the cause is usually quite benign. Most often, a loud sound coming from your pipes is caused by trapped air. By turning off your main water supply and running all faucets for 10-15 minutes, you force any trapped air through your water pipes.

Why am I getting air in my hot water heater?

Thermostat: A broken water heater thermostat can encourage hot water pockets to form and trap air inside your pipes. In this situation, your water will be too hot, and you'll hear gurgling sounds when using faucets—especially those close to the thermostat.

Will an airlock eventually clear itself?

Will an Airlock Eventually Clear Itself? Sometimes, small airlocks may clear themselves as water circulation continues with one or more radiators. However, larger airlocks often require manual intervention, like bleeding the radiators or using a hose to release the trapped air.

What removes air from a hot water circulating heating system?

Manual and Automatic Bleeder Valves

There are two types of bleeder valves for hot water heating systems: Manual Bleeder –These are manual valves homeowners can turn on to release air. They are often located where the air is most likely to collect, usually above the boiler or at the line's highest point.

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