Can hear the neighbors toilet - but i am detached

[Smithy]

Hi,

So i have lived in my house for 20+ years, (1990 build) its a detached property, corner plot with various manholes in the garden. In the last year I've noticed i can hear when my neighbor flush their toilet through my downstairs toilet - this is a relatively new thing, so am assuming its not right.

I also sometimes hearing what i believe to be birds chattering/scratching around -

I dont have any other issues from what i can figure - toilet flushes and drains away fine, and no smells - the only other thing i have noticed is on the other side of the house, my en-suite shower and toilet i can hear draining away when i am using them but not sure if thats just me being paranoid and its normal.

Any suggestions would be grateful

Many thanks

 

[Activate Trade Training]

Is the noise more noticeable in certain parts of your house or during specific times? You might have gaps or weak spots in the wall insulation of your house, hence why the sound is getting through. If you can pinpoint an area, you could investigate targeted insulation or repair. Hope this helps.

 

[Lou]

How far away is the house from the next one?

 

[Chuck]

Might be a partial blockage somewhere downstream. More likely a joint in the pipework or an air admittance valve (if fitted inside house) has cracked open allowing sound from the drain to escape. If the connection from your loo to the drain is flexible (concertina-style plastic) I'd be suspicious of that. I'd normally expect a 'smell' to alert you a leak but this can be absent in some circumstances.

In your position, I'd get a drains specialist to check the system for leaks and partial blockages.

The birds are probably a separate problem but could be relevant. Have a look at the roof, particularly the edges, with a pair of binoculars, you might be able to spot where they are getting in and out. There should be a protective 'cage' on top of any vent pipes, if this is missing they may have built a nest and blocked it.

 

[Smithy]

Might be a partial blockage somewhere downstream. More likely a joint in the pipework or an air admittance valve (if fitted inside house) has cracked open allowing sound from the drain to escape. If the connection from your loo to the drain is flexible (concertina-style plastic) I'd be suspicious of that. I'd normally expect a 'smell' to alert you a leak but this can be absent in some circumstances.

In your position, I'd get a drains specialist to check the system for leaks and partial blockages.

The birds are probably a separate problem but could be relevant. Have a look at the roof, particularly the edges, with a pair of binoculars, you might be able to spot where they are getting in and out. There should be a protective 'cage' on top of any vent pipes, if this is missing they may have built a nest and blocked it.

thank you very much - i will see if i can find someone - appreciate the time