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Water Pipes Noise, Sounds Like a Foghorn

Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2020 7:27 am
by Megsymalone
Hello

Apologies if there have been similar threads before, I did have a quick search and couldn't see an answer to my question but also given current corona virus restrictions wanted to know how urgently (if at all) it will need fixing...

When running the taps or a bath or flushing the upstairs toilet there is sometimes a loud foghorn sounding noise that starts and lasts for several seconds, sometimes longer, and then eventually stops. It seems to be when more than one thing is using water, e.g. flush the toilet and then run the taps to wash hands, or running both the bath taps. But this might be a coincidence. It also happens when running water for washing up downstairs. It doesn't seem to happen when using the washing machine, or flushing the downstairs loo or using the sink in that bathroom but this was added after the house was built and might be plumbed differently? At least the toilet has a macerator rather than just flushing normally.

Our water setup - 30yr old boiler downstairs. Not combi. Hot water tank downstairs. Cold water storage tank in loft.

The noise used to happen infrequently but has been much more frequent and seemingly louder recently.

Any ideas what is causing it?

Neither myself nor my other half are good at DIY. Given current corona virus restrictions and social distancing etc I don't feel I can call a plumber / don't know if I'd find one who would come out. So :

Is it a problem that needs fixing soon or can it be ignored until for time being?

Would it be classed as emergency worthy of a plumber visiting?

Thanks for your help!!

Megan

Re: Water Pipes Noise, Sounds Like a Foghorn

Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2020 10:24 pm
by stoneyboy
Hi Megan,
Most likely cause is the ballvave in the cold water tank in the loft. It shouldn't cause a problem - just annoying - get it replaced when restrictions are eased.
Regards S.