Quick answer
A tap that sputters and spits has air in the line. It is normal after municipal works, after the supply has been shut off and restored, or after a pressure pump has run dry and lost its prime. Running every tap for a couple of minutes, cold then hot, clears most cases. Sputtering that persists after that points at a geyser air vent or a pump drawing air.
Common causes
- Air introduced after municipal supply work or a mains interruption
- Pressure pump losing prime and drawing air from an empty tank
- Failing geyser air vent or vacuum breaker letting air into the hot line
- Partly closed valve creating turbulence at the fitting
- Tank level low enough that the outlet is occasionally uncovered
- Leak on the suction side of a pump drawing air in
What you can do now
- 1Run every tap, cold then hot, for two minutes each starting with the one lowest in the house
- 2Check the backup tank level if you have one
- 3Note whether it affects hot only, cold only, or both — hot only points at the geyser vent
- 4Check whether the pump is cycling oddly, which suggests it is drawing air
- 5Repeat the flush once more after an hour before concluding it has not worked
When to call a professional
If sputtering persists after thoroughly flushing the system, have the geyser air vent and the pump suction side checked. Air being drawn in continuously means there is a path for it, and on the pump side that same path can let water out. Call sooner if the pump is short-cycling as well, since running a pump on air damages the seals quickly.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Diagnostic R650
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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