You are likely going to call on your local master plumber. Most homeowners will test every faucet, and check on their water heater. If they still do not find out why it sounds like running water when every faucet is off, then they will likely call a professional.
Hearing water running in your walls can indicate several potential issues: Leaking Pipes: The most common reason is a leak in the plumbing system. This could be due to a damaged or corroded pipe, leading to water escaping and creating a sound of flowing water.
If your left ear sounds like it has water in it, it could be due to fluid trapped from swimming or bathing, earwax buildup, or a middle ear infection. Try tilting your head to help drain any trapped water. If the sensation persists, consider seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
In many cases, hearing water running through pipes is a normal part of your home's daily functioning.
``Dripping'' sounds can often be heard in certain areas of the house when either the heating or the water first start heating and also when they begin to cool. This is caused by expansion and contraction of the existing pipework against wooden structures like beams and floorboards.
Sometimes, people refer to otorrhea as “runny ears” or “watery ears.” Most commonly, otorrhea is the result of a ruptured eardrum from an ear infection. When there's a hole in your eardrum, the fluid in your middle ear drains out into your ear canal.
If your pipes freeze and crack in the process, the first sign of trouble could be a dripping sound in your ceiling or walls. Call your plumber if you suspect your pipes are in danger of freezing.
The sound of running water with no apparent source can often be traced back to faulty plumbing. Start by examining all valves, faucets, and toilets for signs of damage or malfunctioning. Check each valve and connection point for any indications of corrosion or deterioration.
Typically, banging noises coming from your pipes infer an issue with water flow or water pressure. Two of the most common causes are water hammers and trapped air bubbles. A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, occurs when fluid in motion is suddenly stopped when a faucet or valve is shut off.
What are the symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction? The most common ETD symptom is muffled hearing, almost like you're underwater. Additional eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms may include: A feeling of fullness in your ears.
You can also try the Valsalva Maneuver, jiggling your earlobe, using gravity, creating a vacuum, using a blow dryer, trying ear drops or sprays, trying more water, inhaling steam, or gargling with saltwater for safe fluid drainage from the inner ear.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Tinnitus is often called "ringing in the ears." It may also sound like blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling. The noises heard can be soft or loud. The person may even think they're hearing air escaping, water running, the inside of a seashell, or musical notes.
In conclusion, the presence of water gurgling in your walls should not be ignored, as it often signals underlying plumbing issues that require professional attention.
Squeaking or whistling noisy pipes indicate something is wrong with the flow of water through the pipes. There could be an obstruction in the plumbing line. There could be a defective washer or aerator if the sound is coming from a faucet. Your shut-off valve may be partly closed.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water can accumulate inside pipes, partially blocking water flow. This can create pressure fluctuations that lead to knocking sounds, particularly in your hot water pipes, as sediment is more likely to form in heated water.
The water running could come from a toilet issue, water heater leak, or even a worn gasket.
In some cases, a high water bill with no visible leak is a sign that your water meter is malfunctioning. If you believe this is the case, one of the simplest ways to check is to stop using your water for a few hours, and then check the meter.
If you hear a noise like banging, clanging, knocking, or vibration, or some combination of sounds, you're probably hearing hydraulic shock, aka water hammer. Water hammer occurs when pressure changes rapidly inside a pipe, causing the water to literally “hammer” into the pipe wall and make a noise.
In the course of the day, it's common to hear the light whooshing of water moving through the pipes when you turn on the tap, the shower or an appliance. Sometimes, pipes that bang or clatter when you turn on a faucet is not unusual; however, this plumbing noise can also mean problems with water pressure.
One of the earliest signs of breaks or leaks is unusual noise. Strange noises like trickling, gurgling, or hissing can hint at a leak. The volume of the sound typically indicates the severity of the problem, but not always. Volume can also increase or decrease depending on the diameter of the affected pipe.
A water heater making noise like water running could simply be the water entering the tank. However, If the sound continues, it could indicate a leak or a broken pipe.