Air in Well Water Lines? Why Your Faucets Are Sputtering

You turn on the kitchen faucet and instead of a smooth stream of water, you get a violent burst of air followed by sputtering, spitting, and uneven flow. Maybe it happens every morning, or maybe it's been getting worse over weeks. Either way, air in your well water lines is more than just annoying—it's often a warning sign that something's wrong with your well system. Let's figure out why it's happening and how to fix it.

What Causes Air in Well Water Lines?

Air doesn't belong in your water lines—so when it shows up, something is allowing it to enter the system. Unlike city water systems that operate under constant pressure, well systems have pumps that cycle on and off, pressure tanks with air bladders, and components that can fail in ways that introduce air. Here are the six most common culprits:

1. Failing Check Valve

The check valve is a one-way valve that keeps water from draining back down into the well when the pump shuts off. When it fails or doesn't seal properly, water drains backward, creating a partial vacuum in the pipes. The next time you turn on a faucet, you get that characteristic burst of air before the pump re-primes and water flows again.

Signs of a failing check valve:

• Air bursts when you first use water in the morning
• Pump takes longer than usual to build pressure
• You hear the pump running briefly after you stop using water
• Water pressure drops immediately after pump cycles off

Fix: Check valve replacement is relatively straightforward for a professional, typically costing $200-$500 depending on whether it's at the pressure tank or down in the well.

2. Dropping Water Level in the Well

If your well's water level has dropped—due to drought, increased usage, or a declining aquifer—the pump may be pulling from near the surface where it can draw in air. This is especially common during dry Southern California summers when water tables naturally drop.

Signs of low water level:

• Air problems are worse during dry seasons
• Sputtering gets worse after heavy water use (irrigation, filling pool)
• You may notice sand or sediment with the air
• Neighbors with wells report similar issues

Fix: A well technician can measure your static water level and determine if it's dropped. Solutions include lowering the pump ($1,000-$2,500), installing a pump shroud, or deepening the well.

3. Crack or Leak in the Drop Pipe

The drop pipe connects your pump (typically 100-500+ feet down) to the surface. If this pipe develops a crack, hole, or loose fitting, it can allow air to enter the system. This is especially common in older wells with galvanized or PVC pipes that have degraded over time.

Signs of drop pipe problems:

• Constant or intermittent air in water (not just after pump cycles)
• Reduced water pressure overall
• Pump running more frequently than usual
• Visible water around well casing (if leak is near surface)

Fix: This requires pulling the pump and inspecting the drop pipe—a job that requires professional equipment. Repair costs vary from $500 for a simple fitting repair to $2,000-$4,000 if significant pipe replacement is needed.

4. Pressure Tank Issues

Your pressure tank contains an air bladder that maintains pressure in the system. When the bladder fails or loses its charge, the tank becomes "waterlogged"—filled mostly with water instead of the proper air/water balance. This causes rapid pump cycling and can introduce air into your water lines through the pressure relief system.

Signs of pressure tank problems:

• Pump cycles on and off rapidly (every few seconds when water is running)
• Pressure gauge fluctuates wildly
• Air sputtering accompanied by pressure drops
• Tank sounds solid when tapped (should be hollow at top)

Fix: If the bladder is intact, you may just need to recharge the air pressure. If the bladder has failed, the tank needs replacement. See our guide on pressure tank problems and solutions. Replacement typically costs $300-$800.

5. Pump Drawing Air (Cavitation)

When a submersible pump is set too close to the water surface, or when it's worn and losing efficiency, it can begin to cavitate—essentially creating vapor bubbles that introduce air into the water stream. You might hear unusual sounds from the well, and the air problem typically worsens during heavy use.

Signs of pump cavitation:

• Unusual rumbling or grinding sounds from the well
• Air problems worse during high-demand periods
• Gradual decrease in overall water pressure
• Pump is 10+ years old

Fix: The pump may need to be lowered, or if it's worn out, replaced entirely. Well pump replacement typically costs $1,500-$3,500 depending on depth and pump type.

6. Air Leak at Pipe Fittings or Seals

Sometimes the problem is much simpler: a loose fitting, degraded O-ring, or failing seal at the pressure tank, wellhead, or connecting pipes can allow air to be sucked into the system during pump operation.

Signs of surface-level air leaks:

• Hissing sound near pressure tank when pump runs
• Visible water seepage at fittings
• Problem developed suddenly
• Recent work done on the system

Fix: Inspect all visible fittings and connections. Tighten loose connections and replace worn seals. This is often a DIY fix if you can locate the source, or a minor service call if you need professional help.

How to Diagnose Air in Your Well Water Lines

Before calling a professional, try these diagnostic steps to help identify the source:

DIY Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes to Try

Some air problems can be resolved without professional help:

Purge Air from the System

If air has accumulated in your lines, you can often clear it:

1. Turn off the well pump at the breaker
2. Open the highest faucet in your home
3. Open the lowest faucet (often an outdoor spigot)
4. Turn the pump back on
5. Let water run until flow is steady with no air bursts
6. Close faucets starting with the lowest

Check and Adjust Pressure Tank Air Charge

If your tank's air bladder is intact but undercharged:

1. Turn off pump and drain tank completely
2. Check air pressure at the valve with a tire gauge
3. Add air with a bicycle pump or compressor to 2 PSI below cut-in pressure (usually 28-38 PSI)
4. Turn pump back on and test

Tighten Visible Connections

Carefully check and tighten any accessible pipe fittings, unions, and connections near the pressure tank and wellhead. Use thread tape on any fittings you remove and reinstall.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require expert diagnosis and repair:

• Persistent air problems after trying DIY fixes
• Suspected drop pipe damage (requires pulling the pump)
• Low water level concerns (needs professional measurement)
• Pump or check valve issues deep in the well
• Unusual sounds or behaviors you can't diagnose
• Any time you're uncomfortable working with the system

"Most homeowners assume air in the lines is just annoying. But it's often an early warning sign—catching problems now prevents emergency calls later when you're completely out of water."

How Southern California Well Service Can Help

At SCWS, we diagnose and repair air-in-water-line problems throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties every week. Our technicians have the experience and equipment to quickly identify the source—whether it's a simple fitting, a failing check valve, or a deeper issue requiring pump work.

Our diagnostic process includes:

• Complete system inspection including pressure tank, controls, and visible piping
• Static water level measurement to check for declining water table
• Pressure testing to identify leaks and weak points
• Flow testing to assess pump performance
• Clear explanation of findings and repair options

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop the Sputtering—Get Expert Help Today

Air in your well water lines is your system telling you something's wrong. While some causes are simple fixes, others can lead to pump failure, water loss, or expensive emergency repairs if ignored.

Don't wait until you're left without water. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and get your well system flowing smoothly again.