Air Lock in Waste Pipe? Here’s What to Do

What Is An Air Lock?

An air lock in a waste pipe happens when a pocket of air gets stuck within the drain lines, thereby preventing the natural flow of wastewater through the pipes. The common culprit behind an air lock is a blocked vent pipe. In some cases, pipe damage can cause pockets of air to get trapped in pipes. Weak points or cracks on waste pipes can allow air to enter and get trapped in the plumbing system. An air lock in your waste pipe should be resolved as quickly as possible to restore your sewer line to good working condition.

Signs of an Air Lock In Your Waste Pipe

• Backups or overflows: An air lock can lead to backups and overflows. If you notice water coming back up through a drain or overflowing from a toilet, it's an indication that there is a blockage, which may be caused by an air lock in your waste pipe.
• Foul Odors: When air is trapped in the waste pipe, it can allow sewer gases to escape into your living space. This can lead to foul odors in and around your drains or plumbing fixtures.
• Fluctuating Water Levels in the Toilet Bowl: When air is trapped in the waste pipe, you might observe water levels in the toilet bowl rising and falling when there's no one using it.
• Slow Drains: An air lock can cause slow drains in sinks, bathtubs, or showers. Water may take longer to empty from the fixtures, indicating that there is a blockage or disruption in the waste pipe.
• Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds: When you flush a toilet or drain a sink, you may hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the drain. These noises are a clear indication that air is trapped in the waste pipe and is interfering with the water flow.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, contact a nearby plumber to help you get rid of the air lock. When you have an air lock in your waste pipe, you may be worried that you have a plumbing disaster on your hands, but the good news is that it’s fairly easy to fix. A skilled plumber who specializes in pipe repair will use advanced diagnostic equipment to locate the source of the problem and provide you with a reliable solution.

Do You Need Help With Fixing An Air Lock In Your Waste Pipe? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

The qualified and experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing have the skills, expertise, and equipment to get your plumbing system working again. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a renowned plumbing service that you can count on for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs. From pipe repair to drain cleaning, sewer repair, toilet repair, and sewer camera inspection, we’ve got you covered.