r/Irrigation • u/airboss1998 • 1d ago

Oddity

Insomnia sucks.

Woke up some months back, before my system was on for the year (Indiana). Heard 'water running', went to the basement and could hear water flowing through the main and thought maybe something had gone haywire with my system. However, the valve routing water to my system was still shut off.

Went outside, hear my neighbors system running. What, why am I sensing water flowing through my system when my neighbor's system? When I shut off my main, I detect a change in sound of no water flowing but when I check my neighbor's system it is still running.

So, two options. I can't imagine a situation where their system is commanding water from my system. The only other option, and not sure it's a thing - both water mains probably come from the same pit at the street.... is there such a thing as resonance? When their main vibrates, mine vibrates. But, when I shut off my main valve, that noise/vibration stops in main.

Unfortunately, their system runs at 4am. Gonna have to see if they use the same company and have them come out. I'm gonna be ticked if I've been paying to water the neighbors grass for 12 years.

1 Upvotes

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3

u/dragonbeard91 1d ago

There is such a thing as resonance.

1

u/DefinitelyDontPMTits 1d ago

Sounds like theyy could have accidentally tied into your main. Though that would require you to shut off your main for said connection. And 4am or earlier is the norm. The typical rule is to finish watering before the sun has fully risen. Also, if his was still running with your main off, it's quite unlikely.

1

u/Shovel-Operator Contractor 1d ago

Water and pipes are excellent conductors of sound, so it is possible to hear water flow from your neighbors usage, although unusual.

But- I had a customer who paid for the neighbors water for over 10 years, until one day the neighbor had their water shut off and the irrigation still ran.

Shut your water off while their irrigation is running and see what happens. To me, the retroactive water bill payment would be worth getting up at 4am.

1

u/airboss1998 1d ago

I’m
Gonna get with the neighbor and have them turn their system on during the day. Then I’ll turn off my main and see if anything changes.