Plumbing in the Home/noise drain

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Expert: Dana Bostick - 7/1/2009


Question
In my basement i can hear a constant drip of water going into the drain. The drain is covered so I can not see inside it but i have no problems with any sinks or tubs not draining well. I have a laundry tub sink and out of the back of the faucet there is a small plastic line that i fell warm water running through but i loose the line into the floor. The faucet has a constant air noise like the water is running but it is not coming out the end and if i turn the hot water valve on very little it will change the air noise.

Answer
Hi Jamie,
This might be a feed line for a humidifier unit on your furnace. It only needs to be on during the heating season. It probably does not run at all during the warmer months and the humidifier may be draining excess water into a trap somewhere and that is the drip you hear. Track any lines going and coming from the humidifier and you may find the source.
Good Hunting,
Dana

Plumbing in the Home

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Dana Bostick

Expertise

Pretty much any residential plumbing questions. For "item specific" details such as a specific model of fixture, I will need to research and there may not be any useful information available. Note: I live and work in Southern California. We do not, as a rule, use hot water or steam heating systems, oil fired boilers or private water wells so my knowledge in those areas is pretty limited. There are others here on AllExerts that can probably answer those questions better.

Experience

Retired Licensed General Contractor with Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical sub-licenses. Active Certified InterNachi Home Inspector and Infrared Thermographer

Organizations
InterNachi

Publications
SearchWarp, Article Alley, www.DIYHomeInspection.blogspot.com, ActiveRain.com "Rain Maker",

Education/Credentials
30 years in the trades, Licensed General Contractor, Certified Infrared Thermographer

Awards and Honors
InterNachi Certified Property Inspector, Listed FHA Fee Inspector, HUD Mobile Home Inspector

Past/Present Clients
Home buyers, sellers and owners, Investors, Commercial roofing companies (infrared roof scans for moisture intrusion)

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