Quick Answer:
If a faucet spits air after a long vacation, it’s usually trapped air in the pipes or a brief pressure change after your supply sat idle. Open the affected faucet fully to purge the air, test hot-only and cold-only to see if the water heater is involved, and check whether the problem happens on multiple fixtures or floors. If the spitting returns after purging or affects several fixtures, have a plumber trace the source safely.
Why This Happens
- Water sitting in pipes while you were away can let small pockets of air form. When you first open a tap those pockets come out as spits or bursts.
- Water main work, outages, or the water heater refilling can introduce air. You may see patterns like **Air sputters after city line work** or **Air bursts after water restored** when service changes happen.
- If the issue appears at many fixtures or on different floors, the air is likely in the supply or the system pressure is fluctuating. A plumber can trace venting, pressure-reducing valves, and supply components to find the source.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Start with the simplest purge
- Open the problem faucet fully (both lever all the way or knob fully open). Let it run until the flow becomes steady and the spitting stops — usually a minute or two.
- Do this one fixture at a time until all air is pushed out.
2. Test hot-only versus cold-only
- Turn on only the cold side and observe. Then turn on only the hot side and observe. If the spitting is only on hot, the water heater likely trapped air when it refilled.
- Run the hot side until steady. If the heater is involved, you may need to run several fixtures to clear the line between the heater and taps.
3. Check for patterns across the house
- Try fixtures upstairs and downstairs. Note whether upstairs behaves differently — trapped air often moves to the highest fixtures first.
- If only one fixture spits, the issue may be local (a faucet aerator or supply connection). If multiple fixtures or floors spit air, it’s a supply or venting issue.
4. Note recent events
- Record whether this happened after a power or water outage, city work, or after filling the water heater. That information helps a plumber diagnose the cause.
What Not to Do
- Don’t keep cycling the main valve trying to force the air out — this can introduce more pressure swings and make the issue worse.
- Don’t dismantle cartridge valves or complex faucet internals yourself. That can cause leaks or damage if you’re not familiar with the parts.
- If air returns after purging or affects multiple floors, don’t keep trying fixes alone — let a plumber inspect venting and supply components.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if the spitting returns after you purge the lines, if multiple fixtures or floors are affected, or if you see pressure drops or irregular pressure when the air appears.
- Also call if you notice any discolored water, persistent low pressure, or sputtering that follows city water work or outages — a pro can check supply valves, pressure regulators, and the heater safely.
- A plumber can trace the source without guessing and can safely inspect pressure-reducing valves, expansion tanks, and system venting.
Safety Notes
- Be careful with hot water testing — run hot briefly to check, then turn it down to avoid scalding.
- Avoid aggressive plumbing work if you’re not experienced; shutting off or messing with the main valve incorrectly can create hazards or flooding.
- If you smell sewage or chemicals in the water, stop using it and call a professional immediately.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start after I got back from vacation? Water sat in the pipes and air pockets formed; the first use pushes that air out.
- Is the water safe after it spits air? Yes — air alone is not harmful. If the water is discolored or smells, do not drink it and call a plumber.
- Will this fix itself? Often purging each faucet clears it. If it keeps happening or affects many fixtures, a plumber should inspect the system.
For more related articles, see the Air Spitting From Faucets hub.