Plumbing Problem- sounds like the shower is running, but it's not.?

Question

From everywhere in the house, it sounds like someone is taking a shower. It isn't a "humming" noise like I see described in other questions. It definately sounds like someone taking a shower.We can't find evidence of leaking or moisture seaping through the walls. Does anyone know what the source of this noise could be? A friend suggested the water heater, but we aren't sure. Thank you for any and all suggestions.

Marti- Alabama

Answer 1

I had a similar problem, If I had a small drip from a hot water tap, this cut the boiler in and it made the same noise, even a small drip set it off.
So as a starter make sure you have no hot water taps that need fixing.

Answer 2

Check the pressure relief valve on the water heater. You should be able to listen and get close to the problem. My aunt (also on Alabama) had the pop off (as it is sometimes called) open up on her water heater, the original contractor did not pipe it out of the house and left it loose under the slab. It washed the sand under the slab out and they had major problems. I'm hoping this is not your problem, but there is a slight(very slight) chance that it is. Any reputable plumber (or knowledgeable handy man) shouldn't charge you much to diagnose the problem.

Answer 3

Check your toilet bowl tank. Sometimes it's full but continues to run because the plug isn't properly seated. That would give off a loud shower-like sound.

The hot water tank wouldn't give off that kind of sound unless it's boiling water, in which case you'd know because the hot water in your house would be.....HOT!!!

Answer 4

Did you forget to winterize your sprinkler system? Is there water running down the street? Check your meter and see if it is turning to make sure it is water running somewhere. Most likely a toilet valve running.

I see you live in Alabama. I guess it's not a frozen sprinkler line. You have it so rough down there.