sudden water pressure change

[Cristina]

When I opened the cold water faucet in the kitchen this morning there was a sudden burst of water and air. The initial burst was so strong that water went everywhere in the kitchen, really like a mini-explosion, followed by more bursts and gurgles. This has happened about 3, 4 times in the past few months, never happened before. This is a second floor flat, and the water is from the mains. The cold water in the bathroom and the hot water do not have this issue, they are fed by the tanks. Any idea what could cause this?

Cristina

 

[rpm]

Air in the incoming pipe, has there been any works carried out yesterday in the block of flats or outside in the road.

 

[Cristina]

Thames Water says that no works have been carried out. Given that the surrounding is all a huge building site I do not believe them too much

 

[rpm]

The work may not have been carried out by Thames Water, sure others will chip in later with more knowledge on this than me.

 

[Best]

Water definitely has been turned off the mains pipe, either the one in your flats or outside your flats. Once the pipework drains a bit somewhere, then you get air and a pressure build up later and any air releases fast when you open a tap.
Not a lot you can do to prevent the splashing if water has been off previously, except maybe open tap very slightly and also consider getting a restrictive airator (the nozzle part of end of tap spout) to help