Originally Posted By: sonu shawnee This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I recently moved into 3 level, 3 bed, 3 bath townhouse (no basement, ground floor foyer). I had a home inspection done which revealed some minor problems.
I then started noticing dripping noise at regular intervals, more frequently when I used the tap, sink, bath on the top 2 floors and not so frequently otherwise. But to date (its been 6 months), I havent seen any leaks appearing anywhere. I have had some plumbers come in to fix fixtures, but even they couldnt figure what it was. Its perplexed me no end
Originally Posted By: dhadler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree Ken…possibilities are endless. But heres a couple.
I've seen joints in ABS that have never been glued, fittings that are cracked and most commonly, clean-out caps loose or some have a gasket or large o-ring that can be damaged. MOST of the time they were never tightened properly. This is where a non-invasive moisture meter would be real handy. (usually the ceiling is finished, am I right?). I have one but the travel time $ would probably kill you 
A few things you can do is try to narrow it down by running one fixture at a time for say 10 to 20 minutes... listen for any dripping. Proceed to do all fixtures until you've narrowed it down. Make sure you leave about the same amount of time in-between testings as some drainage leaks take several minutes to actually start dripping. For best results avoid using the other fixtures on that top level, if possible.
Then get back to us with as much info as you can.
-- Darrell Hadler
Five Star Home Inspections
Medicine Hat, Alberta CANADA
Originally Posted By: dhadler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jerry is correct too. Had the same problem in my own home a few years ago only it was the ABS drain line where it came through the flooring. It was rubbing against the subflooring as it expanded and it would stick, expand, stick, expand…sounded exactly like something was dripping.
If that's the case just cut out a bit of wood and problem solved. If you can't get to it you can try pouring some baby powder down the tight edge and this lubricates it enough so it does'nt stick as it expands. Worked for me 
-- Darrell Hadler
Five Star Home Inspections
Medicine Hat, Alberta CANADA
Originally Posted By: ssmith3 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
I recently moved into 3 level
Quote:
I then started noticing dripping noise at regular intervals, more frequently when I used the tap, sink, bath on the top 2 floors and not so frequently otherwise
IF you can locate the "main stack" in the house you will prob find it has not been insulated in the wall cavity that it runs in. More than likely what you are hearing is the drains "dripping" or water still running in the main stack.
I perform many new construction inspections and recommend to all contractors that they insulate that wall to prevent this exact phenomena from happening (or at least quieting it a little more).
The above image shows 2 drains from the second floor coming down this wall. This wall is in the master bedroom on the lower floor. I recommended that it be insulated so that the owners would not have to listen to water constantly.
– Scott Smith
Marinspection
Vice President NorCal NACHI Chapter
I graduated from collage. Now my life is all mixed up.
Originally Posted By: Aaron This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
dhadler wrote:
Jerry is correct too. Had the same problem in my own home a few years ago only it was the ABS drain line where it came through the flooring. It was rubbing against the subflooring as it expanded and it would stick, expand, stick, expand...sounded exactly like something was dripping.
If that's the case just cut out a bit of wood and problem solved. If you can't get to it you can try pouring some baby powder down the tight edge and this lubricates it enough so it does'nt stick as it expands. Worked for me 
I am guessing this is the problem. I'd almost bet money it is
Originally Posted By: sonu shawnee This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I hadnt checked as there werent any replies for a while. Anyways, I will try some diagnostics and post back if get any more info.
Also, should I hear the noise even when I using cold water only. As noted, it could be becuase of the pipes expanding while using hot water. But sometimes I use cold water only and even then I hear the noise.