Quick Answer:
When water service comes back, trapped air in the pipes can push out first and make the faucet sputter or spit. Open a single cold faucet closest to the point where water enters the house slowly until the flow steadies, then run a second fixture briefly to clear lines. If the sputter is only on the first draw it’s usually harmless; if it persists, you may have air trapped in a branch or a partially closed valve that needs attention.
Why This Happens
- When the supply is shut off for repair or by the utility, air can enter the plumbing. When water returns it forces pockets of air ahead of it.
- Air collects in high spots, dead-end branches, or behind partially closed valves. The first quick burst of water forces those pockets out, causing sputtering, spitting, or brief air “blasts.”
- Sometimes the symptom is localized (for example only at one fixture or a single branch) which points to a closed or partly closed valve or trapped air in that section. For broader issues after service, see Air sputters after main shutoff used. If the problem appears mainly at the tub or shower, check guidance on Air coming from showerhead.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Start at the closest cold faucet
Find the cold faucet nearest where the water enters your home (near the water meter, main shutoff, or utility entry). Open it slowly—about a quarter turn—until the flow becomes a steady stream. Opening slowly lets trapped air escape gently instead of blasting out.
2. Watch and wait until flow steadies
Keep the first faucet open until the sputtering stops and water runs smoothly. This may take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on how much air is in the line.
3. Run a second fixture briefly
After the first faucet is steady, open a second fixture (another sink or an outside hose bib) for a short time to help push remaining air out of adjacent branches. Don’t leave fixtures running longer than needed.
4. Note whether the sputter is only on the first draw or persistent
- If it only happens the first time a faucet is used after service is restored, it’s usually just trapped air clearing out.
- If the sputter or air returns repeatedly, or appears only in one area, that suggests air trapped in a branch or a valve that isn’t fully open—check nearby shutoffs or the main valve.
5. Check shutoff valves and repeat bleeding as needed
Ensure the main shutoff and any local branch valves are fully open. If a valve is partially closed, slowly open it. If you can’t confirm the valve position or it’s hard to turn, stop and consider calling a professional. Repeat the slow-open-and-bleed sequence for fixtures on that branch.
6. Test appliances and hot water carefully
Don’t assume hot lines are clear; run cold first, then test hot carefully to avoid scalding if the heater temperature shifted while service was off. If appliances show sputtering or behave oddly, stop and investigate further.
What Not to Do
- Don’t crank faucets full-open immediately — rapid opening can make the sputter and banging feel worse and may force air to hit fixtures more violently.
- Don’t try to force stuck valves with excessive strength; you could break a valve or cause a leak.
- Don’t ignore repeated sputtering or banging—those are signs the issue isn’t clearing itself and could damage fixtures or appliances.
When to Call a Professional
- If sputtering persists after you’ve bled nearby fixtures and checked valves.
- If the problem is limited to one branch despite valves appearing open, or if you suspect a partially closed meter or municipal valve.
- If you hear loud banging (water hammer), lose pressure, see air in appliances, or notice visible leaks when you operate valves.
Safety Notes
- Run cold water first to avoid scalding from unpredictable hot water flow after service returns.
- If you smell gas or suspect a gas appliance problem while working near utility lines, leave the area and call the gas company or emergency services—do not operate electrical switches.
- When turning valves, use steady controlled force. If a valve won’t move, forcing it can cause breaks and flooding; stop and call a pro.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this only happen on the first faucet I opened?
Usually the first faucet releases the largest air pocket trapped near the service entrance; once bled, the rest of the system clears more easily. - How long should I run the water to clear air?
Run each affected fixture until the flow is steady—often a few seconds to a few minutes; repeat for each branch if needed. - Will trapped air damage pipes or appliances?
Brief air pockets alone rarely damage pipes, but repeated sputtering, water hammer, or air in appliances can cause wear—call a professional if the issue continues.
Related Articles
If you’re troubleshooting a similar symptom, these guides may help:
For the full directory, see Air in Pipes After Shutoff.