plumbing related help? What is causing this noise?

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What could be causing this and do I need to worry? [ Sorry for double post I'd put this in AIBU for traffic but someone suggested it might be better here]

I live in a reasonably large block of flats (purpose built not a converted house). The whole building has a history of leaks and plumbing problems due to a shoddy money saving exercise on the plumbing - so I'm paranoid about problems.

Recently, I have suddenly started hearing water flowing/gurgling in my bathroom under the shower tray. It sounds like it is water running through the pipe outlet under the shower and out - rather than a leak and free running water if you see what I mean. It's not when I'm using my shower/loo etc and sounds like it is related to the flat above me ( when I hear this gurgling/water, I hear people moving about upstairs).

My own overflow from the loo connects to the shower outlet.

I'm worried because this is a NEW sound - I lived there for many years and never heard this. Generally the flats are pretty well sound insulated so noise isn't heard.

Anyone have any idea what this could be? Why can I suddenly hear this water noise? Do I need to panic about more leaks?

have you got a hot-water cylinder? What colour?

Hi Piglet John - someone on the other thread said you might be able to help.

I'm not sure what you mean by a hot water cylinder?

I have a hot water tank which is white. I know how to clear the air lock in mine but this noise is not to do with the water in my flat - in the sense that when I hear it is not when I have water running or am using loo/shower etc.

A white cylinder is unvented, and has various devices to prevent it going over pressure. They can vent hot water if the pressure is too high. Usually it is visible running into a sort of funnel that then goes to a drain. this might cause the noise you describe. Have a look round your cylinder and leave the airing cupboard door open to give you more chance of hearing it.

An unvented cylinder should be regularly inspected and serviced by a qualified person. It is often done during annual the boiler service, but not all boiler engineers have the extra qualification for unvented cylinders.

Thanks for your reply.

Usually it is visible running into a sort of funnel that then goes to a drain. this might cause the noise you describe

My boiler has one of these things if that's what you mean:

photo.mybuilder.com/2_thumb/2635012_d0d88c7502.jpg

Is that what you mean by vented? Am not sure

but the noise isn't coming from my boiler or when I use it.

It's coming from some other water use elsewhere in the buiding and I can hear it gurgling under my shower tray.

yes, that's what I had in mind. If it drains into the shower drain, could that be the running water?

I think it is a hot water cylinder, not a boiler.

might look like this White

Thanks - yes it's a hot water cylinder and looks like that - but the noise -which is new - does not sound like it's anything to do with MY water cylinder.

I know what mine sounds like not least because I've drained it before to re-set the air lock and know what that gurgling sounds like.

This is a more remote gurgling water sound - under the shower - that sounds like it is coming from somewhere else. I think in some way it's to do with another flat - maybe upstairs - but what I can't work out is why there would be this sudden change and I can hear something I've never heard before.

Do you think maybe their cylinder needs draining/air lock resetting?

Anyone have any other thoughts?