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    shannonf100's Avatar
    shannonf100 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 19, 2008, 04:34 PM
    Hissing sound in copper water pipes
    We noticed a constant load noise in the upstairs shower that sounds like water running a few days ago. We assumed leak and tore into the wall, no water anywhere. Did the meter test, not using any extra water. My father suggested turning the water heater off and the noise stopped. We are unable to figure out why this particular bathroom has a constant hissing sound in the pipes. The sound can not be heard anywhere else in the house and immediately stops when the electric water heater is turned off... any ideas?
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 19, 2008, 04:45 PM

    Do you have a water softner? If so, does it only soften the hot water. I know this doesn't seem to tie in to your problem, but I have seen water softners(that soften only hot water) cause strange sounds throughout the piping in the house.
    shannonf100's Avatar
    shannonf100 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Nov 19, 2008, 04:58 PM
    Nope, we do not own a water softner. Thx though ;)
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 19, 2008, 05:08 PM
    Shannon...


    Start here for me:

    1) begin by shutting off the cold water supply into the water heater. Does this reduce the noise? If not then turn water back on.

    2) shut electrical breaker (fuse) off at the panel. Does this reduce noise? Turn power back on and confirm.

    Let us know what you find here... also tell me if you have an electrical tester? Are you comfortable taking some electrical readings for me if I work through this with you?

    Let me know...

    MARK
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #5

    Nov 19, 2008, 05:13 PM

    I'm onboard mark, just looking to learn. Sounds like you have an idea.
    shannonf100's Avatar
    shannonf100 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Nov 19, 2008, 06:50 PM
    Sorry, had to run and cook dinner ;)

    1. Yes, the noise stops when the main water supply outside is shut off. My husband says there this is the only way to shut off the cold water supply.

    2. No, the noise does not stop when the breaker is turned off.

    We have a 110v electric tester... not sure if this is going to do the trick but we are willing to try any suggestions.

    Thank you!!
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Nov 20, 2008, 09:32 AM
    OK... nothing electric as an issue then... good!

    Now... wondering if there is a shutoff just before the cold water enters the water heater and it is just so old your husband doesn't want to touch it... OR is it that there is actually NO shutoff just before cold enetrs heater... let me know... we're getting closer to solution here... :)

    Also... just so I don't misunderstand... at your first post you said you shut the heater off and sound stopped. Did you shut the water main then... or something else..?

    Back to you...

    I'll be back on around 6:00 tonight.


    MARK
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #8

    Nov 20, 2008, 05:05 PM

    Curious. If you shut main water off to house(not just the supply to water heater) then we are right back where we started.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #9

    Nov 20, 2008, 05:22 PM
    Yeah... hopefully they will return and give us more info. Here.

    Curious... to say the least!
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