Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    able411's Avatar
    able411 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Aug 4, 2009, 03:55 AM
    Air lock in toilet water line?
    I have recently purchased a 50 y.o. home, split-level, 2-1/2 bath. The toilet in the full bath upstairs "locks" when filling. It may fill 3-4 times or only a few seconds when a "hammer" knock is heard in the line and the water shuts off completely. I disconnect the flexible hose at the valve at the floor, bleed tiny amount of water from the valve, reconnect line and water flows again for as little as a few seconds to > 1/2 hour.
    I have inquired at several hardware/plumbing outlets and even consulted a retired plumber with no answer.
    All other faucets/toilets/outlets seem to be fine at this time - it's only this one toilet in question.
    I'll certainly appreciate any help I can get!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Aug 4, 2009, 04:25 AM
    I'm going to put up two ballcocks. Which one is yours? Regards, Tom
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
     
    #3

    Aug 4, 2009, 04:43 AM

    There is no such thing as an air lock in a water supply line.

    However, you do have something that is blocking the line. It could be any thing. It could be something like a small pebble but is most likely a small amount of solder that entered the line during assembly or when repairs were done.
    When soldering a joint, solder can run inside the pipe if excess solder is used. This excess solder can form a bead and run down to a cold section of pipe or it can fall and splatter into a thin flat disk.
    Water movement then carries solder to the next available valve. It can take years for the solder to break loose and move.

    Remove the valve under the toilet, turn the water on and flush the pipe briefly. Inspect and reinstall the valve. Since the solder may be lodged in the valve itself, I would just replace the valve.
    paramedic411's Avatar
    paramedic411 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Aug 4, 2009, 09:47 PM
    Tom - I have the system on the left, without the ball.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #5

    Aug 5, 2009, 04:49 AM
    Shut the water off at the house shut, follow Harolds advice and flush out the supply. If, after inspecting the angle and finding it clear reinstall and test. Good luck, Tom

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Air Lock in Water Line to Toilet [ 5 Answers ]

I had to drain water from the house last night to fix a minor leak in a cold water line. Now, one of my toilets will not fill after it is flushed. It appears that there is an air lock in the line. How do I fix this?

Air in water line to toilet. [ 3 Answers ]

Toilet makes a terribele noise and shakes when flushed. Will it correct itself if left alone for a couple of days... :p

Air lock in water line. [ 3 Answers ]

After replacing everything inside the toilet tank, I turned the inlet water supply on and nothing happened. I disconnected that line from the toilet to run water into a large pan. All I got was a lot of noisy chattering (air lock?) but no water for a few seconds and then the water started running...

Air Lock in Water Line [ 1 Answers ]

How do I fix an air lock in the water line. Loud noise after flushing toilet

Air lock in cistern water line? [ 1 Answers ]

I have a cistern supplying water to a mountain cabin. The cistern is full of water, but only a trickle comes out of the faucet in the cabin. It's a new installation and is far uphill from the cabin. Can an air lock cause this? How can it be fixed? BTW, there is a pressure tank in the water line...


View more questions Search