I see that this topic has "sort of" been addressed in the past, but I'm hoping there may be some new readers with answers.

About a Year ago, I noticed that I could hear the sound of running water when there was not water actually running in the house. It sounds as though someone is running water in a sink or a tub, or perhaps a toilet has flushed at some point along the water lines.

I've learned to live with that, although it has puzzled be greatly; but in the past month or so, this sound has been accompanied by annoying squealing, shrieking, skirling - loud enough and high pitched enough to wake me a night and to cause my dog to stare at me pleadingly.

The Water Dept. guys say the pressure is perfect - 78 (?) The meter does indicate that something is running very slowly. I know what that is, a toilet with a slow leak in the tank. They have mentioned the possibility of a bad regulator, which is ancient Greek to me. They will not enter the house unless I am present, and my working situation makes that a bit difficult.

They also mentioned "air in the pipes, which seems to be the patented answer for everything that goes awry with plumbing; but if it IS air in the pipes, how do I get it out?

They also seemed perplexed by my mention of the squealing and shrieking, as though that problem were new to them.

Any suggestions or comments? The noise is really getting tiresome, and the running water noise has me baffled.

First address the toilet issue that to me sounds like a bad flapper valve in the botton of the tank, easy fix. If you have a bad regulator are they talking about a pressure regulator? With 78psi they are not always required, but check with your water department. Once you have them on the phone let them know that you are expierencing air problems they may be able to flush a hydrant to take care of that. It is possible that the packing on one of their pumps is bad and is pulling air into the system. If this is the case your neighbors will have air problems as well. Back to the pressure regulator, this looks sort of like a brass bell and should be located right before or right after the meter. If the meter is in a box outside then it maybe where your pipe enters the house. If it's not making noise you may have a leak between the water main & your meter voice that concern to the water dept. as well

Thanks for your advice. The noises in the pipes seem to have disappeared, coincidental with a visit by the water dept. guys. They didn't tell me that they had doe anything, but they must have.

I now see that the water leak is reflected in my water bill, so a plumber is coming today. The water consumption at my house has nearly tripled since last year at this time, and that is not due to any increase in my usage.

Thanks again for your help.

Lynne

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lcweber2003

Thanks for your advice. The noises in the pipes seem to have disappeared, coincidental with a visit by the water dept. guys. They didn't tell me that they had doe anything, but they must have.

I now see that the water leak is reflected in my water bill, so a plumber is coming today. The water consumption at my house has nearly tripled since last year at this time, and that is not due to any increase in my usage.

Thanks again for your help.

Lynne

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If your bill has nearly tripled, then the leak had to of been on your side of the meter, otherwise an increase in usage wouldn't have registered on the meter.

If they didn't have to dig up anything, then the problem was probably at the union just on your side of the meter, if this is the case, then you cannot be held responsible, as your responsibility begins and the water dapartments ends at the point where your line connects to the 'pigtail' coming off the aforementioned union.

On the other hand, if they had to dig down to the 'pigtail' and tighten the connection where it ties into your water line, then you are responsible.

Is the ground disturbed on your side of the meter?

If it isn't, take some pictures of the undisturbed ground, as you may need this when you contest the higher water bill.

It really can be amazing how little a leak can be before it starts piling up on a bill. You mentioned that you had a leaky toilet perhaps the site below could be of use in giving you an idea of what that could have meant water wise.
http://www.subwaterco.com/wwdripcalc.htm

Hi Lynne,

"The Water Dept. guys say the pressure is perfect - 78(PSI)"

Not in my book it isn't perfect. 45 PSI is the average for the home. That's why water towers are 100 feet tall so the PSI is 45 when the water drops a little over 100 foot down to the main. 78 PSIis almost twice as much as it should be. This high pressure is putting a strain on your system and, in my opinion, should have a PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) installed and the pressure set at 45 PSI.

"They also mentioned "air in the pipes, which seems to be the patented answer for everything that goes awry with plumbing; but if it IS air in the pipes, how do I get it out?
Ahh! The old "air in the pipes" excuse. That's a oldey but goodie used by "non plumbers" to explain away anything they don't understand. Lynne, Since air raises in water if you truly had air in your pipes all you would have to do to remove it would be to open a faucet and the air bleed out. Air in the pipes! Horse hockey!! Regards, Tom