Why Do I Hear Water Running in Pipes but No Leak Found? [Answered]

You might have been listening to the sound of water running.

But you can’t find the source.

You’ve checked the visible pipes, taps, and water lines.

Yet, you’ve got no clue. 

You were assuming it to be a leak. But till now, you haven’t seen one. 

Wondering why you hear water running in pipes but no leak.

It can be the toilet flapper, that’s been broken. Or there might be an internal leak in the pipes. Maybe the water heater has leaked inside. Or the connection of the water supply has a broken slope. 

Whatever the reason is, you need some help finding out the reason. That’s why we’ve discussed everything in our segment. Just have a look:

Why Am I Hearing Water Running in Pipes but No Leak: Explained

If you’re hearing running water, there’s something wrong. As you didn’t find any leak, you might be out of clues.

No need to worry as we’re here to help you out.

First, try to do as we say. Turn off all taps and the water heater. Make sure no source is drawing out water. Then sit and listen if you still can hear the running water. If yes, then there can be several reasons.

Your toilet flapper might have been broken. And the flapper is passing the water through the pipes. That’s what makes the noise. Or the internal pipes you couldn’t check might be leaking.

No matter what the reason is. Once you find it, solving it becomes easier. 

How to Find The Culprit Behind The Running Water Sound

As we’ve already listed the reasons, we won’t be repeating them. But we’ll tell you why you couldn’t find the problem in the first place.

You’ve looked at the visible wires, pipes, and hoses for leakage. Or you’re trying to see if water is dripping from the taps after they’re closed. 

Maybe there’s carpet above the asbestos tile. That’s why you couldn’t feel the damp tiles. Or you might’ve tried listening to the water heater when it’s still “ON”. That’s why you couldn’t reach any conclusion.

But we’re here to guide you in finding the culprit. So you can know the exact reason and solve it immediately. Let’s see how to find the problem and fix them.

Read The Sweep Hand on The Water Meter

First, place a water meter anywhere on the ground, outside the house. You can place the meter in front of the house’s main door because the gap between the triangle and sweep hand is clear and visible. It helps to read it accurately. 

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Now that you’ve got your water meter. See where the sweep hand is now. Then turn off the whole water supply of the house. Check the sweep hand again. For example, it might be at 6 now.

After 4-5 hours, the sweep hand should be on 6. Because when water runs through pipes, the hand moves. As the water supply is off, it shouldn’t move.

If it moves to 7 or 8, there’s a leak in the pipes. In that case, it’s wise to contact a professional.

Check The Toilet Flapper

Sometimes the toilet flapper gets broken. In that case, the water drives away through the pipe. Thus, you hear the sound.

To be sure, drop some food color inside the toilet tank. Without flushing, wait for an hour or more. Then come back and see if the standing water on the commode has risen. 

Suppose, you’ve added blue color to the tank. That colored water might have transferred to the commode due to a broken flapper. Then the standing water inside the commode will be blue. 

This means that it’s a broken flapper. But you may not always have food color handy. In that case, take a marker or pencil. And mark the water line inside the tank. Then switch off the water supply of the toilet.

Wait for 10 minutes and then come back. Now open the tank and check if the water went down from the marked point. If yes, then the flapper is broken. That’s why the tank is not filled to that point. And water passed away to the commode.

If it’s the case, bring a plumber. And he/she’ll replace the broken flapper with a new one. Then the problem will be solved.

Look for Slab Leaks Inside The Water Heater

Whenever you walk near the water heater, you may hear a running water noise. But it’s only average when the heater is on. Because then cold water comes into the machine. After processing, the hot water gets out of the machine. Then the sound comes from the lines attached to it.

Still, you need to be sure if it’s the reason. For that, turn off the machine. Then wait for 30 minutes. Between this time, the water will stop flowing. And the remaining water will sit inside it.

But you might still hear the sound of water passing. In that case, know that the slab has leaks in it. That’s why water keeps passing through it.

It doesn’t matter if you set the water heater on its side. Leakage can occur in any way regardless of the position of the heater. 

If it happens, get the slab fixed by yourself or a professional.

Assess The Tile Temperature

The leak might be underneath the tiles. And you didn’t realize it because of the carpet or any padding. So,  remove the carpet and walk around the tile. If water is flowing under the floor, you’ll sense it.

Because the tiles will feel colder than the others as water flows underneath. Or if hot water is flowing, the tiles will be slightly warmer comparatively.

If you find out which tile, seek help from a professional.

Check Garage or Basement Slopes

Standing water in your newly constructed basement is normal. That’s not a big deal.

But if it’s not newly constructed, and you see water then it’s a problem. Because it indicates that the basement or garage pipes have leaks. And you’ve been hearing this sound all this time.

Now it’s time to call a professional to find which pipe is leaking. And they’ll fix it for you. 

Finally, there’ll be no water running sound in pipes. 

Readers Also Ask

Can I observe the triangle of the water meter to identify water leakage?

Yes, you can observe the triangle of the water meter. It moves if water is running inside the house. So after you turn off the water supply check the triangle. If it still moves, then there’s a leak.

Is there any way to find the pipe leaking water?

You’ll hear a hissing sound near the pipe if it’s one of the visible pipes. And it will indicate that the pipes have been leaking.

Is there any other way to find internal leakage in walls?

You can look for signs like a damp wall. When there’s a leakage the wall gets damp, and an outer damp sign is found. Look at the wallpaper or wall paint. And see if you can find any watermarks.