Plumber or poltergeist?

[Rockmehardplace]

Freaked out! Went to check on a relatives (long term empty) property. The external doors were all locked, but when I went in Both bath taps were running at full felt and the bath was full of water (plug was partially in).

Totally freaked out. Can taps just turn themselves on or is it ghosts/burglar??!

[VenusClapTrap]

If it’s long term empty why wasn’t the water switched off?

Who was the last person to enter the property and how long ago? Does anyone but you have a key?

It could be that at some point the water’s been switched off at the mains, then someone turned the bath taps on to test them and forgot to turn them back off because no water was coming out. And then later the mains was turned back on, so the taps start flowing without being noticed.

[Rockmehardplace]

It’s not switched off as I visit at least weekly with my kids. There’s one other person with a key but they haven’t been in since the last time I was. It’s really odd!!

[VenusClapTrap]

Could your kids have been playing with the taps last time?

I guess you’ll just have to see what happens now you’ve turned them off, if they are still off next week or if this happens again. If it does happen again, get a camera on it.

[nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut]

If taps had been running full blast with the plug partially in since last time, the bath would have overflowed. And I would have thought OP would have heard them as she left, had it been the kids.

I'd be more inclined to think someone else had been in there. Have you checked for other points of entry?

[Twenty2]

Do seance and as if anybody's there, 1 tap for yes, 2 taps for no

[Twenty2]

Why do I always notice typos just as my post posts? 🙄

[MotherOfGodWeeFella]

Someone else was there, running a bath when you arrived. They hid in the wardrobe.

[Rockmehardplace]

@Twenty2

Why do I always notice typos just as my post posts? 🙄

Lol

@MotherOfGodWeeFella that was my first thought!

Highly unlikely to be the kids as I’m sure I would have heard it/one of them would have grassed the other up/it would have overflowed but will ask them again in the morning.

It’s really spooked me out!

[Craftycorvid]

Thread title just sounds like a very confused genre mash-up between porno and horror!

Strange experience though, and I’ve no explanation to suggest.

[Roonerspismed]

Crivens

Why didn’t the bath overflow though?

How odd. Was the water turned off before maybe? Any workmen been in?

[MeadowLines]

Is this going to be one of those stories where there's someone living in the loft...

[Rockmehardplace]

@MeadowLines

Is this going to be one of those stories where there's someone living in the loft...

Omg I didn’t check the loft

There were workmen at the property fixing the roof a few weeks ago but they weren’t inside. The plug wasn’t fully in the bath so some water could still go through the plug hole and there’s an overflow bit.

Called DH as he’s normally the no-nonsense sensible one and even he was like “eh, I have no rational explanation for this.”

[36degrees]

Nothing useful to add but I immediately thought of Pipes. Don't go in the basement!

[UCOinanOCG]

That's very odd. I can't think of any way that taps could turn on by themselves.

[WeatherwaxLives]

You'll find out when you see the water bill, if both taps have been running since you were last there it's going to be massive!

Can you check the meter? If it's not moved on much you'll know someone's been in.

[HelpMeh]

Are you SURE no one else has a key? A helpful neighbour, an old tenant?

If you're satisfied that all windows and doors lock correctly then I'd get the front and back door locks changed. After someone's checked the loft...

Ask the kids if they've played with the taps to be sure.

Do you normally go at a set time and this visit was off schedule?

Ghosts would be the least of my concerns and probably the preferable option to be honest.

[Bouledeneige]

I once lived in a student property where my housemate returned one evening to find all the cupboard doors open and the taps on. He thought it was a poltergeist. But it could've been the landlord's son as they were trying to get us out of the house. It was a bit spooky though.

[Rockmehardplace]

Oh, changing the locks is a really good idea, just incase!

[Rockmehardplace]

We are in Scotland, I don’t think there is a water meter? Going back tomorrow so will see if it’s happened again/double check all windows/etc.

[ALongHardWinter]

It's Mr. Pipes.

[MotherOfGodWeeFella]

Put a lock on the loft hatch.

[TheMatryoshka]

Just burn the house down, it's the only way

[battlewon]

Oh my god why did I just read this! I'm in bed in the dark and I need a wee.... someone hold my hand while I creep out there with torch on so I don't wake kids with light!! 😭😭😭😭 this sounds terrifying !

[Rockmehardplace]

@TheMatryoshka

Just burn the house down, it's the only way

Don’t tempt me😂😂

There apparently can’t be anyone in the loft as there is a hook on the outside of the loft hatch which is closed.

It’s still a total mystery tho. The taps were on full pelt - there is no way the kids would have been able to do that as they are quite stiff (taps not kids!). I still haven’t come up with a rational explanation,!!

[PleaseReferToMeAsBritneySpears]

This happened at my sister's old house. She would find taps full on, the car seat way forward or way back, radio would come on, fridge door open. She would explain away everything except the taps. That was too weird. She moved.