Installing a pressure tank can help stabilize the pressure in your well water system, preventing the formation of unwanted bubbles. By maintaining lower pressure in your system, you'll reduce the chances of gas molecules leaving the water and creating those pesky bubbles.
Mechanical causes of air bubbles
Sometimes water bubbles occur when the water level inside a well is low, causing air to get into the pump. When water inside a well “draws down” drastically, it could indicate the pump is too large for the well. Drought conditions can also cause the water level to drop.
Try adjusting the well pump's depth. Check your water pressure tank: Aging or damaged pressure tanks can sometimes lead to a buildup of air pressure in your lines. Drain the tank of excess water or consider replacing your tank if it's too old.
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. It will break the surface tension and get rid of most of the bubbles.
Air Bubbles
Sometimes it comes from the ground water source; other times it is a result of increased pressure of the water system or even by the pump in your well. It is completely harmless.
The bubbles are harmless and pose no health risk. The air bubbles will dissipate if you let the water sit in a glass for a few minutes.
Turn on your main water valve and listen for the sound of air escaping from the open faucets. Let water run for about 10–15 minutes or until the flow becomes steady without sputtering. Once the flow has stabilized, turn off your faucets. Check that your toilets have refilled properly and flush them again if necessary.
If you see foam or what appears to be soap suds, or the water looks or smells like soapy water, you may have a problem with surfactants. High levels of surfactants can be associated with gastrointestinal problems.
Pump the water until it runs clear to get rid of any groundwater in the well. Use a hose connected to an outside faucet so the flushed water flows to a nearby drainageway rather than into your septic system or public sewer.
Cold water holds a greater amount of air in solution than does warm water. Therefore, when cold water saturated with air is warmed, the air is released in the form of small air bubbles, which give the water a milky or carbonated appearance. Air can also enter the system when a fire hydrant is opened or a break occurs.
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.
Chlorination. Chlorination is a chemical process that uses chlorine to disinfect water. In this process, a small amount of chlorine is added to the well water and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before use. In this way, bacteria are eliminated from the well and for disinfection.
Not only can air in the system be indicative of your well pump needing to be purged and re-primed, it could also be an indication that the well itself is low on water. When the water level gets low, the well pump will draw air in as well as water, leading to the sputtering at your water fixtures.
If you are experiencing lots of air bubbles, your system may be improperly sized for your usage or your system settings may require an adjustment. It is also possible that repairs are needed for your well water treatment system. Air bubbles in the water could have another, more innocuous cause: your home's faucets.
Turn On the Water Valve Again
Let all the faucets run for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow enough time to eject all the air bubbles and return your water pressure to normal. Flush the toilets and run your dishwasher and washing machine during this interval.
Getting rid of the bubbles is very simple! We use a pointed object, such as a pin or the blade of a utility knife, and engrave the surface of the bubble. In this way the air will be free to go out.
Heating the liquid (in order to enlarge the bubbles and rise faster). Best: make a vacuum (even partial) above the liquid surface (you can even use the sucking force of a vacuum cleaner or similar home device).
The bubbles are not harmful in any way and the water is still safe to drink. If you need more information on Norfolk's drinking water, please contact the Division of Water Quality at 757-441-5678 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m, Monday through Friday.
How to get rid of it: Actually, air bubbles in water is a completely harmless issue so there's no need to do anything. But if the air bubbles are a nuisance, ask a plumber to recommend possible solutions such as installing an air elimination valve.
While drinking soda has been associated with negative effects, carbonation is not harmful in and of itself. Drinking carbonated water offers the same benefits as drinking plain water. So, feel free to drink carbonated water if you're looking for some fizz.
In summary, the presence of dissolved gases, chlorine treatments, trapped air in pipes, and fluctuations in temperature and pressure can all lead to bubbly tap water. While most bubbly tap water is safe to rink, excess chlorine or other contaminants can pose health risks.