By AJ Danboise
All homes, new and old, will have sounds associated with their day-to-day use. These sounds may indicate anything from water simply flowing through pipes after turning on the faucet to a gas leak. Being familiar with your home’s natural sounds will help you distinguish whether it’s “normal” or something that should warrant concern. Some people call these typical sounds “settling of the home” while others refer to them as their home’s “friendly ghost.” While these sounds are normal, especially for older homes, other sounds can be a warning of a bigger problem. The experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical are here to explain the most common sounds in your home – and if you should be concerned or not.
Common Sounds in Your Home:
The sound of water running.
This could indicate that someone just turned on the water, or it could indicate something more serious, like a burst pipe. Check your toilets, dishwasher, sprinkler system, and washing machine to make sure they aren’t running. If all the water in your home is off and you still hear running water, call a professional as soon as possible.
Squeaky floors.
This is very common in older homes and is usually not a cause for concern. Floors and stairs start to squeak when a wooden floorboard has become unfastened. However, if it is becoming a nuisance, a licensed contractor can tighten the loose floorboards for you.
Clanking noise when you turn on the heat.
Some clinking and knocking when you first turn on your radiator or boiler is normal. It is also normal to hear a little of this throughout the house while it is on. However, if the clanking is coming directly from the radiator or boiler itself, call a professional to check it out.
Bubbling or cracking sound coming from the water heater.
Over time sediment builds up at the bottom of the hot water heater. This sediment acts as an insulator, forcing the burner to work harder. The bubbling noise is the sediment heating up and could indicate that your water heater is facing premature failure. Call a professional to inspect it as soon as possible.
Whistling from the HVAC unit.
This can occur when your air conditioner or furnace is on. It usually means that your air filter needs to be changed. The whistling is a result of your furnace trying to pull in air from around it, causing it to overwork.
A hissing sound.
If your home uses gas, a hissing sound could indicate a leak. If you hear a hissing sound and smell gas, leave your home and call the gas company immediately.
A boom or popping coming from your furnace.
These sounds are the result of gas building up in the combustion chamber and causing a delayed ignition. When the ignition does fire after the excess gas has built up, it causes a small, exploding popping sound. This will only get worse and cause larger, dangerous explosions over time. Call a professional early on.
Your lights are buzzing.
Buzzing lights, or any electrical appliance, is usually a sign of a loose connection. These loose connections can lead to sparking and cause electrical fires. Call an electrician to assess the situation.
Scratching noises in the attic or walls.
Any time you hear scratching in the wall or above you, especially at night, it is a good indication of rodents in your home. Call a professional immediately for a safe and effective eradication and prevention plan.
Banging or hammering noise.
If you hear a banging or hammering noise, especially after flushing the toilet or turning on the faucet, try resetting the water in the pipes. Turn it off at the main, wait several minutes and then turn it back on. If the noise persists, call in a professional.
It is normal for your home to occasionally make some of these sounds. If a sound suddenly occurs or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could indicate a larger problem. When in doubt, it never hurts to have a professional inspection. It could save you from more expensive repairs or replacements in the long run. The holidays are the worst time of year to need home repairs. If your home is giving you warning signs, don’t hesitate, contact AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical at(248) 477-3626 today!
