I can hear water in my pipes

[Abby King]

Hi I wonder if anyone can give some some advice.
Moved into my house 3 weeks ago and over the last week I have noticed I can hear water running in the cold water pipes in the bathroom, airing cupboard and down by the stopcock in the kitchen.

We have changed the float in the tank in the loft and whilst the stopcock was off the noise stopped. We have turned all of the appliances off and we can still hear the sound. Checked all taps. We cannot find where the source of the noise is coming from but we are pretty sure it’s it the cold water pipes.

I am really worried we have a leak somewhere. Any advice as to where it could be? Or if not is it normal to hear the sound of water in pipes?

I have NO idea about plumbing at all so any advice would be appreciated. We also do not have a meter in our house.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Abby King]

Just an update! We just turned the stopcock off and the noise reduces but it does not stop completely. I’m hoping this means that it could be before our house and we are simply hearing feedback from it. Also there is no condensation on our pipes. Thank you everyone for your advice as it has really helped us this evening!

 

[Aire]

Is your house a detached, a semi or a terraced? Do you share a mains supply with your neighbour or do you have an independent supply?

 

[Abby King]

Is your house a detached, a semi or a terraced? Do you share a mains supply with your neighbour or do you have an independent supply?

Our house is a Semi detached. I’ll be honest I don’t know if it is attached or not. I am having a look at my deeds now!

 

[Burger]

If not on anyone else’s, then you may have an underground burst, on your main.

 

[Abby King]

If not on anyone else’s, then you may have an underground burst, on your main.

Am I right in saying that we would be able to see a loss of water in our tank if this were the case?

 

[Burger]

Am I right in saying that we would be able to see a loss of water in our tank if this were the case?

No, a loss of water from your tank would indicate a leak or overflowing issue. Which tank?

 

[Abby King]

No, a loss of water from your tank would indicate a leak or overflowing issue. Which tank?

Ah okay I see! I meant our cold water storage tank in the loft. I guess what I mean is that if it is the pipe supplying our house then The water board may help us out?

 

[Aire]

Ah okay I see! I meant our cold water storage tank in the loft. I guess what I mean is that if it is the pipe supplying our house then The water board may help us out?

The pipe supplying your house is your responsibility. Only the boundary stop tap and everything before it is the water boards responsibility. Your best bet is to confirm whether you do or do not have a leak on your mains and then contact to your insurance company and see if your pipes are covered.

 

[Abby King]

The pipe supplying your house is your responsibility. Only the boundary stop tap and everything before it is the water boards responsibility. Your best bet is to confirm whether you do or do not have a leak on your mains and then contact to your insurance company and see if your pipes are covered.

Okay thank you very much for your advice!

 

[Burger]

Okay thank you very much for your advice!

Depending who your water supplier is, they may still be able to assist, as a one off on your main. If it’s in the house they will not. See this for a bit more clarity: https://www.unitedutilities.com/glo...le-guide-to-pipes-drains-and-sewers-acc16.pdf

Why did you ask about the tank, is it losing water?

 

[Abby King]

Depending who your water supplier is, they may still be able to assist, as a one off on your main. If it’s in the house they will not. See this for a bit more clarity: https://www.unitedutilities.com/glo...le-guide-to-pipes-drains-and-sewers-acc16.pdf

Why did you ask about the tank, is it losing water?

I did read this on our local water board website so I’m going to give them a call first thing tomorrow and ask. Thank you for the information.
We’re pretty sure it isn’t no! That’s the first thing we checked.

 

[Burger]

I did read this on our local water board website so I’m going to give them a call first thing tomorrow and ask. Thank you for the information.
We’re pretty sure it isn’t no! That’s the first thing we checked.

Are you seeing a loss of water in your tank?

 

[Abby King]

Are you seeing a loss of water in your tank?

No we are pretty sure we are not seeing a loss of water

 

[Abby King]

I have contacted my water board and they are coming to look next Friday at the pipe between our stopcock and the one on the street. I think it’s possible we have a leak on the mains supply, if this is the case is my house at a big risk at the moment? I’m really worrying that it’s going to be left for a week before it gets looked at. They did mention that if it’s a small leak they may be able to fix it free of charge so I’m really hoping this is the case!

 

[Last Plumber]

I have contacted my water board and they are coming to look next Friday at the pipe between our stopcock and the one on the street. I think it’s possible we have a leak on the mains supply, if this is the case is my house at a big risk at the moment? I’m really worrying that it’s going to be left for a week before it gets looked at. They did mention that if it’s a small leak they may be able to fix it free of charge so I’m really hoping this is the case!

Don't panic. If you knew how much water was leaking all over the country you would be amazed. I am not saying that an underground leak like the one you may have can't do damage but it is unlikely in my opinion. I haven't come across that much damage caused by underground bursts during my working life.
If it is something they will not fix then you will need to employ a Plumber to sort it for you. It is your responsibility if it is on your property. They will advise you when they see you next week on the best course of action.
Underground water mains can be difficult to find and in a lot of cases they are better replaced. How old is the property?
Do you know what the main is made of?

 

[Abby King]

Don't panic. If you knew how much water was leaking all over the country you would be amazed. I am not saying that an underground leak like the one you may have can't do damage but it is unlikely in my opinion. I haven't come across that much damage caused by underground bursts during my working life.
If it is something they will not fix then you will need to employ a Plumber to sort it for you. It is your responsibility if it is on your property. They will advise you when they see you next week on the best course of action.
Underground water mains can be difficult to find and in a lot of cases they are better replaced. How old is the property?
Do you know what the main is made of?

Thank you so much for your reply that has put my mind at rest! Is it likely to be a really expensive job if the water board cannot fix it? The property was built in the 60’s, it’s an ex council house. I don’t I’m afraid, we aren’t sure where the pipes lead either. Again thank you so much!

 

[Last Plumber]

Thank you so much for your reply that has put my mind at rest! Is it likely to be a really expensive job if the water board cannot fix it? The property was built in the 60’s, it’s an ex council house. I don’t I’m afraid, we aren’t sure where the pipes lead either. Again thank you so much!

It depends on distance, ground, whether a mole can be used or it needs excavation. There are many if's and but's.
One step at a time. See what they say first. Then come back and let us know if you need more advice.
If it was the 60's I would guess it is Copper or Black alkathene but I could be wrong. It doesn't really matter anyway, it will get sorted whatever it is.

 

[Abby King]

I understand, I’m a bit of a worrier unfortunately so always thinking of the worst. I will wait and see what the water board say and go from there. I really do appreciate your help, it’s much appreciated