The continuous sound of water running around the house can be pretty annoying, but it can also be a source of concern as the reason can be a faulty pipe, slow drains in the tube, and a damaged or leaking toilet tank system. There are lots of quick fixes available to help you fix faulty equipment but first, you should learn where the sound is from specifically.
It can be quite difficult to identify why you hear the sound of running water consistently around the house. Most modern homes have high water pressure which can be one of the reasons you constantly hear the sound of running water and this can eventually damage your pipe.
Many people complain about the sound of water leaking and without any faulty pipes or leaks in sight, it can be confusing. There are lots of reasons water can be running consistently and thankfully, there are also DIY solutions to most of them without having to call an expert.
Not all continuous water running sounds mean there is faulty equipment, but if you find the sound really uncomfortable, read on to learn the reasons and how it can be fixed.
Why Does It Sound Like Water Is Consistently Running Around The House?
The plumbing system including the toilet in your home might be the first place you want to look, this could have been neglected which could have led to some leaks.
While this is the common problem associated with the sound of running water, it is not the only reason so here are areas you should investigate to discover where the sound comes from.
1. Leaky Toilet Flapper
A leaky toilet flapper is often not considered, but it is one of the places you should check first. A toilet flapper is designed to seal the toilet flush valve and when it is damaged, it can’t control the release of water which can lead to the consistently sound of water that you hear.
You can identify if the toilet flapper is damaged without removing it by adding some blue balls into the toilet tank, the blue ball should run with the water into the toilet bowl, and the standing water will turn blue.
2. Damaged/Cracked Pipes
If the issue is not a leaky toilet flapper, the next area to check out is the pipes. A continuous dripping sound often indicates there is a damaged pipe somewhere, and they might be a bit difficult to check out since they are in the walls.
A cracked pipe can be really damaging to the structure of the house and the technique to check and fix this will require getting a professional.
Note that the dripping or popping sound can be caused by high temperature as well. If you noticed the sound is caused by high temperature then there won’t be any need for an expert but if its from a cracked or damaged pipe, contact the plumber service
3. Improper Plumbing
The sound of water running around the house can also be a result of improper plumbing. The initial house plumbing should be checked if everything else seems to be in place, this can be the cause of a leak so reach out to a plumbing service to have this checked out.
4. Leakage in The Slab of The Water Heater
You can try tracing the sound of the water to the heater and if it’s coming from there then it means the slab has become leaky. It’s normal to hear water running when the heater is on, and it’s turning cold water into hot but if the same happens when it’s off then it’s likely there is leakage in the slab.
5. Float Inside The Toilet Tank
Improperly adjusted float in the water toilet tank can also cause running water sounds. Water will run through the pipes non-stop if the float is not in its original position, and it could also wear out with years of use, so it’s definitely one of the top areas to check.
The float is meant to refill the tank while also preventing overflow but when it’s damaged, water won’t stop running into the toilet tank from the water supply line.
6. Slow Drains
If the toilet tank is not the reason for the water sound and there is no damaged/cracked pipe either, the sound can be from a tap draining slowly. Drains can be neutral and not linked to any faulty pipe or leakages, some bathroom appliances such as the tap, shower, or toilet tanks can leak for a while after it’s turned off.
How Can You Tell if Your Water Line is Leaking?
First, start by listening for any leaking sounds in the quietest part of your house, and you can also open cupboards and cabinets to check if there is any sound or signs of leaks behind them.
The main water lines are underground so technical knowledge will be needed to discover if it’s leaking or not, you can also call a plumber to help figure this out.
However, if you are going to do a routine check on your own, here are signs that indicate that the water line is leaking.
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the pipes
- Your water bill seems higher than normal
- You hear water running sounds around the house
- Water puddles or mud is found in your yard
- Frequent clogging of drains
- There is moisture accumulation on your walls, especially behind the cabinet and cupboard
- Foundational cracks and wet areas around the house.
Final Thoughts
The first approach to discovering where the sound of water comes from is to turn off all the taps and water heater to ensure water is not coming from any source then listen.
The sound of running water around the house might not be as serious as you think, but it is still essential to figure out where it is coming from to prevent it from worsening and contact a plumber if it is needed.