Strange humming noise from attic

[LilMissSunshine9]

Lately whenever I turn on the shower there is a humming noise that starts up within 1 minute that slowly gets really loud and suddenly stops - the noise only lasts for a minute. Other times I have noticed that the noise is only for a few seconds and really low yet other times it builds up to really loud noise before going away.

What could it be? I know I need to get a plumber in but it would a good idea to know what is causing the noise.

I never hear this noise when I turn on the sink taps its only related to the shower.

how powerful is your shower? does the water squirt out stronger than from the taps?

Is there a large cold-water tank in the loft? Or have you got a combi boiler and no hot water cylinder?

Do you know where your main stop-cock is?

Where is the bathroom extractor fan, and how do you turn it on?

Do you have a pumped shower and if so is the the actual pump in the attic?

Ermmm hmmm lets see how best to answer your questions:

I would say m shower is powerful, not noticed a difference from shower and tap.

My shower is set up where the shower head is fitted to a pipe going into the wall, I have a mixer tap which I turn up and either left or right to get the right temperature. It is not an electric shower for sure.

I have a storage tank in a cupboard in the bathroom and there a tank upstairs which I assume is for cold water.

I don't know where the main stop-cock is to be honest not really thought about looking for it.

I don't have an extractor fan for my bathroom as there is a window - there is an extractor fan in the downstairs loo but there is no shower in that as its too small.

it is most likely vibration of the ball cock in the cold water tank in the loft then.

this happens as the cone and washer wear. It is possible to replace the parts with new, but a whole new valve is so cheap, and quicker to fit, that they are usually just replaced. If you like tinkering you can clean and service the old valve and put it in a bag nextto the tank so it is ready to swap over next time.

You can get modern valves that are extremely quiet for a little extra.

It would be worth checking that the pipes are well clipped to the wall and roof timbers to prevent them vibrating, this makes any noise worse.

If you could find the main stop cock I could expain how to confirm this diagnosis. It does not sound like you have a shower pump or an extractor fan.

If your shower is powerful enough to squirt at the ceiling, then I would change my mind.

Thanks pigletjohn it sounds like something I could fix myself but considering it involves going into an attic I will call out a plumber - I have developed a phobia of attics since previously living at my parents home where rats decided to come and occupy the attic for a few months - urg to this day any noise in the walls or attic makes me nervous that it might be a rat.

I can't really say if the shower is powerful enough to squirt the ceiling at it is a fixed shower head so can't move it upwards.

He will need to fit a Part 2 Ballcock (float valve) and ask for a brass one not plastic. It might be up there for 20 years. The Part 2 type has a little plastic bridge over the top that the water squirts through and is required by Water Regulations to prevent contamination. The Part 1 type is cheaper but not what you need.

This Pegler one is very good. You can get inferior ones for half the money but it's not much. Tell him you want a Part 2 Pegler Prestex when you phone, and ask to look at it as if you will recognise it you will see the white plastic bridge and it might say Pegler on the side, I can't remember. The plumber will know what Part 2 is and he will know Pegler. If he doesn't he is not a real plumber but some kind of handyman cowboy. I expect he will charge retail price which is higher than shown here.

If you notice the noise of running water during refilling, a new one will always be quieter. If you want a modern quiet valve, this Fluidmaster one is considered the best. It has a brass shank which is less prone to damage than the all-plastic version.