It’s fun to visit a haunted house, but no one wants to hear scary sounds coming from inside their own home. When unusual noises start to emerge, it can signal potential issues with your heating, plumbing, or electrical systems.
Here’s a guide to some common concerning noises and what you should do about them.
Heating Noises
1. Banging or Clanging
What it is: Often a sign of expanding and contracting ductwork or loose components. In more severe cases, it could indicate a problem with the furnace.
What it isn’t: A chain-laden ghost trapped in your walls.
What to do: Inspect the ductwork for loose parts and check your furnace. If the noise persists, call a professional technician.
2. Hissing
What it is: This could indicate a gas leak or a problem with the pressure in your heating system.
What it isn’t: A paranormal being trying to communicate
What to do: If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and get everyone out of the house. Contact your gas company or a heating professional right away.
3. Rumbling
What it is: This sound may indicate sediment buildup or other issues in your heating system.
What it isn’t: The sound of a hungry goblin about to raid your fridge.
What to do: Schedule a maintenance check of the furnace for an issue with your burner and address any underlying problems.
Plumbing Noises
1. Gurgling Sounds
What it is: Common in drains and toilets, gurgling usually signals a blockage or venting issue.
What it isn’t: A witch with mouthwash working on her hygiene.
What to do: Check for clogs in drains and use an auger or plumber to remove them. If you can’t identify the problem, consider calling a plumber to investigate further.
2. Banging Pipes
What it is: This occurs when water flow is abruptly stopped, causing pipes to shake. It could also indicate loose fittings.
What it isn’t: A monster itching to get out of the basement.
What to do: A fix might require a plumber’s skills to secure loose pipes or install water hammer arrestors to absorb shock.
3. Dripping
What it is: A persistent drip from a faucet or toilet.
What it isn’t: Blood from a scary Jason mask.
What to do: Look at your toilet for potential cracks in the tank or worn components. Examine your faucet for a worn washer or seals.
Electrical Noises
1. Buzzing
What it is: Buzzing sounds from outlets, switches, or appliances can indicate loose wiring or overloaded circuits.
What it isn’t: A swarm of killer bees building a hive in your home.
What to do: Turn off the circuit breaker connected to the source of that outlet. Contact an electrician to make the repair.
2. Popping or Crackling
What it is: These sounds often indicate arcing or a short circuit, which can be dangerous.
What it isn’t: The sound of a witch laughing at a joke.
What to do: There is no room to DIY if you aren’t a trained electrician. Turn off the affected circuit and consult an electrician.
3. Clicking from the Breaker Box
What it is: This may indicate that a circuit breaker is tripping due to overload or a short.
What it isn’t: The opening and closing of a coffin lock.
What to do: A frequently tripping breaker box could mean there is too much load on the circuit. Consider reducing the load or upgrading your main electrical panel.
Choose Larry & Sons for Home Services in MD, PA & WV
While some noises in your home might seem minor, they can be early warning signs of more significant issues. When in doubt call the professionals at Larry & Sons. We have the know-how to fix your heating, plumbing and electrical issues quickly.
Contact us online now to schedule HVAC, plumbing, or electrical services.