Tap turning off and on

[AllADream]

Hello I am not a plumber but seeking advice

Wondering what this could be... I am a support worker and I do sleep in's at my work. It is an old house and other staff joke it may be haunted. I used the tap last night briefly, got into bed and about half an hour later it turned itself on for between 5-10 seconds and then turned off. It is one of those taps that you pull up and down to turn on. I think it could be a fault that a plumber could explain, what do you think?

 

[JCplumb]

I have seen 1/4 turn taps that seem to randomly open. It's caused by pressure changes in the water and the cartridge inside the tap wearing out. This combination can make it happen. I've seen it maybe half a dozen times over the years.
Renewing the tap valve should cure it.
If the tap has a long spout it could just be the contents of the spout syphoning out after the tap has been closed.

 

[oz-plumber]

Do you have a toilet in the same area.
It could be the cistern refilling itself due to a small leak on the outlet washer.

I know this because, apparently, the cistern in our the ensuite refills itself roughly twice an night.
Water runs for 5 to 10 seconds.
It is, apparently, really annoying and it something that has bothered my wife for 6 or more months.
( probably 12 months )

When it wakes ME I will fix it.

 

[AllADream]

There is no toilet in the same area