Why Does My Faucet Sputter Air Before Water Comes Out?

South End Plumbing Heating & Air Expert Tips

Why Does My Faucet Sputter Air Before Water Comes Out?

If your faucet sputters, spits, or blows air before water flows normally, it’s a sign that air is getting into your plumbing system. While this can sometimes be harmless, ongoing sputtering is often a warning sign of pressure problems, supply line issues, or hidden leaks.

Understanding why this happens — and when it’s time to act — can help prevent bigger plumbing problems later.

Why Air Shouldn’t Be in Your Water Lines

Your plumbing system is designed to stay completely full of water. When air enters the system, it disrupts normal flow and causes sputtering at faucets, showers, or appliances.

Occasional air after plumbing work isn’t unusual. Persistent air is.

Common Reasons Your Faucet Sputters Air

1. Recent Plumbing Work or Water Shutoff

If you’ve recently had:

Plumbing repairs
A water heater replacement
A city water shutoff

Air can become trapped in the pipes when water service is restored. In most cases, this clears after running the faucet for a short period.

If sputtering continues for days, the cause is likely something else.

2. Low or Fluctuating Water Pressure

Sudden changes in water pressure can allow air pockets to form inside the pipes. This may be caused by:

Municipal pressure changes
A failing pressure regulator
Problems with the main water supply

This is often noticeable at multiple fixtures, not just one faucet.

3. A Leak in the Water Supply Line

This is one of the more serious causes of sputtering faucets.

A leak — especially on the main water line — can allow air to enter the system while water leaks out. Common warning signs include:

Sputtering at multiple faucets
Sudden pressure drops
Higher-than-normal water bills
Damp spots in the yard, crawl space, or slab

Hidden supply line leaks often worsen over time if not addressed.

4. Well System Issues (If Your Home Is on Well Water)

For homes on private wells, sputtering faucets can be caused by:

Low well water levels
Pressure tank problems
Pump issues drawing air into the system

These issues typically require professional testing and repair.

5. Water Heater–Related Problems

If sputtering only happens when using hot water, the issue may be related to the water heater, such as:

Sediment buildup
A damaged dip tube
Internal tank issues affecting flow

Hot-water-only sputtering is a strong clue the problem isn’t in the faucet itself.

Faucet Sputtering Troubleshooting Table

What You Notice	Likely Cause	Why It Matters
Sputtering after plumbing work	Trapped air	Usually temporary
Air at multiple faucets	Pressure or supply issue	May indicate system-wide problem
Only hot water sputters	Water heater issue	Reduced efficiency or damage
Pressure drops with sputtering	Possible supply line leak	Risk of water damage
Sputtering plus high water bill	Hidden or underground leak	Needs immediate attention
Air noises in pipes	Air entering system	Can worsen over time

Is This Safe to Ignore?

Occasional sputtering right after plumbing work is usually harmless. However, you should not ignore the issue if:

It happens every day
Multiple fixtures are affected
Water pressure drops suddenly
You notice higher water bills
You hear air or banging noises in the pipes

These signs often point to a leak or pressure problem, not just trapped air.

Why Running the Faucet Doesn’t Always Fix the Problem

Letting the faucet run may release trapped air temporarily, but it won’t fix:

A leaking supply line
A failing pressure regulator
Water heater-related issues

If air keeps coming back, it usually means the system is continuously pulling air in somewhere.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

You should call a plumber if:

The sputtering continues for more than a day or two
Multiple faucets are affected
Pressure changes suddenly
The issue only affects hot water
You suspect a leak

A professional can test system pressure, inspect supply lines, and determine whether the issue is minor or a sign of a larger problem.

Final Thoughts

A faucet that sputters air before water comes out isn’t just annoying — it’s often an early warning sign of pressure issues, trapped air, or hidden leaks in your plumbing system.

Catching the cause early can help prevent water damage, rising utility bills, and more expensive repairs.

If your faucets are sputtering and you want the issue diagnosed and fixed correctly, call South End Plumbing Heating & Air at (704) 741-8714 to schedule service and have your plumbing system checked by a professional.