Airlocks, the trapping of air in a system designed to carry liquid, manifest differently depending on the system affected. Here's a breakdown of common symptoms:
Symptoms in Central Heating Systems:
- Reduced or no hot water: This is a key indicator. Even with the boiler running, little to no hot water may reach your taps.
- Cool or cold radiators: Some or all radiators, especially at the top, might remain cool or cold when the central heating is on. This is due to the air preventing proper water circulation.
Symptoms in Car Cooling Systems:
- Overheating: The engine may overheat during normal driving conditions because the airlock hinders coolant circulation, preventing efficient heat dissipation.
- Malfunctioning heater: The car heater might not work effectively or at all due to the disrupted coolant flow.
- Thermostat malfunction: The thermostat may also seem to be failing due to the air interfering with its operation.
- Rapid temperature gauge fluctuations: The temperature gauge might rapidly spike into the red zone, then quickly drop to normal, as the air intermittently blocks coolant flow.
Symptoms in Diesel Fuel Systems:
- Fuel starvation: An airlock prevents diesel fuel from reaching the injectors, leading to engine problems or failure to start. The air bubble blocks the fuel's passage.
Symptoms in Plumbing Systems:
- Intermittent or reduced water flow: Air trapped in pipes restricts the flow of water, leading to slow or inconsistent water pressure.
Symptoms in Froth Applications (Industrial):
- Reduced flow rate: Air bubbles within the froth impede its movement, creating a flow restriction similar to a kink in a hose.
In summary, airlock symptoms hinge on the interrupted flow of liquids. Identifying the system affected (heating, car cooling, fuel, plumbing etc.) helps pinpoint the specific symptoms.
