Removing Air Bubbles from your Watercooling Loop

Air bubbles in a watercooling loop can cause performance issues, increased pump noise, and poor system cooling efficiency, as well as looking pretty sightly when one gets stuck in a clear waterblock or distro panel.

Turn on Your System (Pump Only):

• Power your system so the pump runs, but ensure the PC is not fully powered (use a PSU jumper if necessary). This prevents unnecessary heat build-up while working on the loop.

Inspect the Loop:

• Look for air pockets in waterblocks, radiators, or distribution panels.
• Watch the coolant flow for irregular movement or bubbling sounds, which indicate trapped air.

Tilt the Case Side to Side:

• Gently tilt the case about 30° to the left, hold for a few seconds, and then tilt it 30° to the right.
• Observe the reservoir for air bubbles rising to the surface.

Tilt the Case Front to Back:

• Carefully tip the case forward (toward the front panel) about 30° and hold for a few seconds.
• Next, tip it backward (toward the rear panel) by the same amount.
• Again, check for rising air bubbles and listen for changes in pump noise.

Repeat as Necessary:

• Continue tilting the case in various directions until no more air bubbles are visible in the loop or heard in the pump.

Monitor the Reservoir Level:

• As air is expelled from the loop, the coolant fills those spaces. You’ll notice the coolant level in the reservoir dropping.
• If the level drops significantly, pause to top it up with additional coolant to prevent the pump from running dry.

Tap Components Gently (Optional):

• Lightly tap radiators, waterblocks, and the reservoir with your knuckle or a soft object to help dislodge stubborn air pockets.
• Be cautious to avoid causing damage to delicate components.

Let the Pump Run:

• After tilting, let the pump run for 10–15 minutes to circulate coolant and identify any remaining air.

Remember, Tap not bash, and gently tilt not shake! 🙂