Noise in Flat

[rince]

I hope someone can help. I have just bought my first flat, and unfortunately ive discovered that the flat below may have a stand alone extractor fan/dehumidifier system which is in constant use and very noisy, particularly at night when im trying to sleep. The problem is that it turns on and off everytime the tenants downstairs use the taps, have a shower, or flush their toilet and its becoming like chinese torture. What i want to know is can these systems really be connected to the water mains, or could the noise be coming from something else eg. faulty water pipes.
I know the noise isnt from the normal built in extractor fan in the flat bathroom as i can hear that as well. This specific noise turns on and off, on and off everytime they use the water.
Please can someone shed some light on this. im at my wits end??

thanks

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Welcome to the Forums!

Please have a look at Forum Rules (esp. 1a)

I am deleting your duplicate post and leaving you in Plumbing.
(I doubt it's the fan).

Mod Rupert

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[Newboy]

It seems a bit unlikely to be a fan - I suspect that it's a pump triggered by a flow switch (shower pump).

These can be very noisy but should be mounted on rubber feet to minimise the noise.

If this is the cause of the noise then it might be worth having a word with your neighbour to see if there is anything that can be done to reduce the problem

Go easy - it never pays to fall out with your neighbours

 

[ChrisR]

Macerator/waste water pump?

 

[rince]

Thanks for the reply. So would this pump cause the normal sink taps and the toilet flusher in the downstairs flat to make a noise too? I have an old shower which makes a noise but the noise doesnt happen for me when i use the normal taps or flush the chain. But downstairs it does...

 

[RigidRaider]

Good advice from Newboy above. Time to adopt the diplomatic approach -buy a bottle of plonk and nip down to introduce yourself. Friendly neighbours are so important in so many ways. You'll probably find they are equally anxious about you making noise and they'll be relieved to know you're keen to live in harmony.

Once you know them you might find the noise is no longer a problem - for example we have a neighbour who fettles cars but he's such an outstanding star bloke that we don't mind; in fact we're happy that he's happy because it means he won't move!

Being there will give you the opportunity to find out what makes the noise and once you've broken the ice (a couple of bottles of chilled Sancerre ought to do it) you could casually mention the noise, even offering to help them insulate the appliance or replace it, with advice from the valued members of this forum, naturally!

Whatever you do, don't write a note, threaten them or lose your rag.

Yet.

 

[rince]

Aye, I could do that, but I do live in London so not many people are into forming friendships with their neighbours, especially in blocks of flats. They are also eastern european so I dont know if they can even speak english.
I just dont know why the noise would occur every time the taps are switched on or the toilet flushed. I noticed a box for a dehumidifier in the comunal stairway so guessed that this is what is causing the racket.

thanks

 

[RigidRaider]

In a flat a macerator is a fair bet, especially if it's water related. I've never had one but I bet old ones get noisy. A dehumidifier would hum and would stand on feet or wheels so shouldn't make too much noise.

Eastern Europe? Try something stronger then!

 

[scatmanjohn]

As the others have said it will be one of these:

http://www.saniflo.co.uk/Saniflo_macerators_waste_water_pumps.asp?name=plus

 

[JohnD]

Are the people downstairs in a basement flat? Or a conversion that might originally have been built without drainage?

 

[fitz1]

could be extractor fitted to ceiling and connected to the light with a 15 min overrun.

 

[Agile]

If he is Eastern European then he might even be a Polish Plumber and be able to devise a cure.

Most speak enough English to share your drink with you.

I dont remember meeting an unfriendly Polish person although some of them do smoke rather a lot, particularly the women!

Tony

 

[ChrisR]

They certainly can get noisy when old. It probably drives its user nuts too!

 

[timbalcombe]

I think he's hearing the fan and/or pump from a combi boiler and a macerator/pump for the water (noise when flushing loo)
If the noise continues for only a few minutes it could be the boiler.
My ecotec runs for a few minutes after DHW demand has ceased.
I'd have a chat with the vendor if leasehold as I'm sure there are new regs about sound insulation etc. If its new, speak to HBO.
If its a victorian conversion - forget it, these are crap at insulating noise between floors (even with floating floors/ceilings)
Sorry dude, I really don't hold much hope on this one.

Arrr the joys of London!
If you really get peed off, join me in plumstead and buy a nice 2 bed house for under £170K - Yes mate!

 

[RigidRaider]

I can't understand your reluctance to go and introduce yourself. They could turn out to be the best neighbours you ever had.

Maybe you ought to move up here to Lancashire - we're in and out of each other's houses all day. (Some with each other's property but that tends to be in chav towns like Burnley!)

 

[rince]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I guess it is an old macerator water drainage pump system then. It cant be from the extractor fan as the noise goes on and off at the same time i hear water running on and off. I thought it may have been a home air conditioning unit system as i saw an empty box for one in the communal hall. but surely that wouldnt be THAT loud esp since its a modern build block, and not a conversion.

I guess im just gonna have to get used to it and stick ear plugs in.
And yes, i shouldve moved to plumpstead but too late now. Im originally from lancashire so know how different it can be to live amongst people in london to back up north.