Yes, an airlock can indeed cause no hot water.
How an Airlock Stops Hot Water
When air becomes trapped in your hot water pipes, it creates an airlock. This pocket of air obstructs the flow of water, similar to how a bubble in a straw prevents you from drinking.
According to the reference, "If air gets trapped in your central heating or hot water system, this can stop hot water from circulating." This blockage can completely stop the hot water from reaching your taps.
Symptoms of an Airlock
Here are some common signs you might have an airlock in your hot water system:
- No hot water at all: The most obvious sign is when you turn on the hot water tap and get only cold water or nothing at all.
- Intermittent hot water: You might get some hot water initially, but it quickly turns cold.
- Noisy pipes: You may hear gurgling, banging, or hissing sounds coming from your pipes.
- Radiators not heating up: If the airlock is in your central heating system, it could also cause your radiators to not heat up properly.
How to Fix an Airlock
To get your hot water flowing again, you need to release the trapped air. Here's how:
- Bleeding Radiators: If the airlock is in the central heating system, you may need to bleed the radiators. This involves using a radiator key to release the trapped air.
- Running Taps: Sometimes, running your hot water taps at full flow for a few minutes can dislodge the airlock.
- Professional Help: If these methods don’t work, it's best to contact a plumber. They will have the tools and expertise to effectively remove the airlock.
Key Takeaway
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water | Airlock in the hot water pipes | Bleed radiators, run taps, or contact a plumber. |
| Intermittent hot water | Airlock obstructing water flow | Try releasing the air through your system or seeking professional help. |
| Noisy pipes | Air trapped in the water system | Release the trapped air from the system. |
In conclusion, an airlock is a real issue that can prevent hot water from circulating in your system. Getting the air out of the system is essential to restoring normal operation.
