When flushing a downstairs toilet or turning on a kitchen tap there can be heard a loud humming noise from the loft. Is this something to do with the water pressure? Does it need adjusting on one of the taps or controls on the boiler?

David Rogers, April 2008

almost certainly you need new ball valve on hot water feed tank and or toilet tank though if lucky turn down incoming main pressure may cure for a while but you will need eventually

bluebird4211, April 2008

It sounds like your loo has a gravity water feed from the loft tank (not the usual way to do it, these days) - no connection with the boiler as the water isn't heated. Nip into the loft, get someone to flush the loo and see if your diagnosis is correct. Probably the fill valve washer needs replacing - I guess its bouncing a bit. The hot taps will draw from the same tank probably - the tank is responsible for feeding the copper cylinder with cold water, ready for it to be heated.

John, April 2008