A spluttering tap occurs when an airlock becomes trapped in the water system

N.B The method below is not suitable for homes that have sealed water systems. You can only use this method if your home has a header water tank, usually found in the loft.

Tools and materials
Hosepipe, 2 x tap attachments and another person to help.

1. Attach one end of the hose pipe to the garden, kitchen or any other mains water tap in the house with a tap attachment piece. You will be using the pressure from the mains to push the airlock out of the pipes and into the header tank.
2. Attach the other end of the hose to the spluttering tap using another tap attachment piece.
3. Make sure both connections are secure and that you have another person ready to help with the following.
4. Turn on the spluttering tap first. Then ask the person at the other end of the hose to turn that tap on as well.
5. Leave the water running from both taps for approximately 20-30 seconds. This should be sufficient to push the airlock out of the system.
6. Turn off the water from the previously affected tap first and then do the same to the other connected tap.
7.1 Test to see if the problem persists in the once spluttering tap. If it does repeat steps 1 - 7 again.
7.2 If not the problem has been fixed.

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