Dripping in the Attic

[Kassee]

We have a bungalow, with two small bedroom built in the roof. One of these little bedrooms is my room and at night I can hear water dripping, it sounds as though it is dripping into water. The tank is near my bedroom in the attic.

What should I do? I am on my own with my children. I dont fancy climbing in to have a look. Please give me some advice??

[NazNomad]

Could just be the ball-valve dripping into the tank, in which case it's no massive panic. I would, however, get someone to go up and have a look asap, just in case it's something that needs attention, like a split pipe.

[Kassee]

Thanks - if it was the ball-valve would it drip all the time continually. Also if I get someone to go up and have a look - who - who can I get? Plumber ? Or who would know ?

[NazNomad]

Anyone who knows DIY basics 'should' be able to detect a leaky ball-valve.
It might not drip continually ... The floating ball is attached to an arm which operates the valve. One kettle full of water run from the tap might stop it dripping, the next might start it up again.
It may just need a gentle bend of the valve arm to effectively close the valve tigher when the water level rises.

[regulo]

Lots of ball-valves drip continuously after a few years service, usually a bit of grit on the washer. As long as the water level is set low enough there's no cause for immediate concern. Even if the water level rises, all that will happen is that the drips will then come from the overflow to the outside. As you use water from the tank (from your taps and toilet cisterns) this is unlikely to occur, unless things worsen considerably. As NazNomad suggests, get someone to get up there and have a look-see - doesn't need to be a plumber at this stage, just someone to re-assure you it is a dripping ball-valve, which is not a real disaster, just might keep you awake!

[Kassee]

Thanks - I will get up there and have a look.

[Kassee]

Now, I realize that the dripping is only when I've got the central heating (gas central heating) on. If the heating is off there is no dripping - what does that mean.

Some of the radiators do leak a bit and I have little bowls under them - is that a factor?
Thanks.

[Sqad]

Doc


docspock
"It may just need a gentle bend of the valve arm to effectively close the valve tigher when the water level rises"

Do not follow the above advice, it is nonsence, the same amount of pressure is applied to the ball irrespective of the shape of the arm.

LOL LOL you could get away with that, but if I had said that in Health, the establishment would have "taken me to the cleaners"....well done mate.

[Sqad]

doc....I know bu99er all about DIY and am proud of it......get the experts in was always my war cry.

[Sqad]

doc.....LOL

[Kassee]

Thanks for all your help - I was worried about it - not so much now !