I've replaced 2 water feed valves to an upstairs sink. In the process I believe I allowed air to get into the house plumbing pipes. When the customer opens a faucet in the house the water spits & spurts. This is normal and I expect it. What is surprising in the washer water feed lines. The cold feed valve is closed and the washer is turned off. Some how water leaks through the closed valve and slowly fills the washer tub. The customer opens the valve and hears a rush of air through the valve stem, closes the valve, the valve will now stop leaking and the tub will stop filling. The has happened twice now. The first time the washing machine tub filled and overflowed over time. What is happening here??

Water valve should hold Air just like it holds water. It is most likely a case of Bad valve or debris on the washer. Replace the valve, seat and / or washer.

Hi Milo, Thanks for your answer. I thought the same, but why does it only leak when there is air present. I was also curious as how water got by the valve (probably selonoid valve) inside the washer that controls the water flow? Keep in mind the washer is turned off.

Possibly water hammer when the air was purged out of the lines caused an already flaky valve to fail. Milo is correct though. If a valve is to stop water it will stop air too.

Where is the air coming from? It didn't come from you opening the pipes. Are you on a well or a municipal water system? What is your water pressure?

Hi hkstroud,

I am pretty sure it came from me opening the pipes. This problem has only occurred twicw and both times I had the pipes open, leaving air in the system. The customer is on municipal water system. I have no way of telling what is the water pressure.

Thanks,
Todd