Water pipes in apartment building...?

Question

...i live in a sixplex and this morning in the basement i've noticed a sound that sounds like it does in the basement when someone either in my apartment or the one next door is turning on the water. And this sound goes for about 2 seconds, then stops. Then starts again. and continues on and on. I checked all faucets/toilets/showers in my aparment, no leaks (on suggestion by my mother) and nothing.

Answer 1

You may be hearing the water pipes knocking. There are special spring valves that help stock this from happening, or a plumber has to fit an arrester into the line. This can be a common problem in older building, or cheeply built buildings.

Answer 2

It's probably a toilet 'flapper' valve.

When this valve leaks, the tank slowly drains, and

the level is made up periodically by the ball-c**k valve.

Listen to your toilet tank. If it's not yours, it might be your neighbors.

Old Plumbers trick:

Smear a gob of vaseline on the seat of the flapper valve.

It seals it and stops the leak.

Answer 3

It probably is a toilet filling, which means that the flapper is passing water (which it shouldn't, until you flush it).

A leaky toilet flapper can waste a *lot* of water.  You can check the flapper by putting food coloring (kool-aid, w/o sugar, will work) into the tank.  It should stay in the tank and not seep into the bowl.

Flappers are not expensive, nor difficult to replace.  Adjust the chain (from the toilet handle) so that it has just a little bit of slack.  Then check again (sometimes new flappers leak).  I personally have the best luck with the red Korky® flapper.

Answer 4

Usually in multiple unit apartments anytime the water is turned on in one it can be heard all over the building.

Since you didn't find anything wrong with your own apartment, I'd suggest asking your neighbors. They may appreciate the help.

If all else fails, report it to your landlord/superintendant.