Strange Noises In Your Home? 7 Possible Causes To Look Into

*This is a collaborative post.

Been hearing strange noises around your home? It could be a ghost! Or there could be a more rational explanation. There are all kinds of potential sources of weird sounds in our homes from electronics to plumbing to pests. Some of these could be worth getting concerned about - these odd noises could be a sign of something destructive or potentially dangerous in your home. This post delves into a few common sources of strange sounds in homes that could be worth ruling out before you hire a paranormal investigator. 

Household pests

Scratching and scurrying sounds in the wall - particularly at night - are often a sign that you have uninvited guests living in your home. Mice and rats are the most common culprits. If you don’t get rid of them, they will continue to breed and roam around your home - chewing apart the walls and potentially contaminating food. Consider calling in a pest control service to take a look. 

Boiler issues

If you’re hearing strange banging or gurgling or whistling sounds, check whether they are coming from your boiler. Issues like a faulty thermostat or limescale build-up could cause a boiler to overheat and make strange banging noises. Gurgling and whistling in gas boilers are more likely to be caused by trapped air and pressure issues. Gas boiler engineers will be able to inspect your boiler, diagnose the cause of the noise and determine whether it’s anything to be worried about.

Plumbing leaks

Plumbing leaks need to be fixed immediately to prevent water damage and a high water bill. Such leaks can happen inside your walls, in which case you may not notice any water at first - but you should be able to hear it. Dripping and whooshing sounds coming from deep within the walls could be the result of water escaping a pipe. Call a plumber if you suspect that you have a leak. 

Air trapped in pipes

Air can get trapped in water and gas pipes and lead to all kinds of strange sounds ranging from gurgling to banging. The remedy to this could be something as simple as bleeding radiators - or it could require more invasive plumbing work. Call a plumber if you think the noise may be coming from pipes. 

Wiring issues

An unusual buzzing or humming sound should never be ignored. It’s likely a wiring issue within your home such as a faulty outlet or loose wiring. Such wiring issues can sometimes lead to fires if ignored. Call out an electrician if you are hearing strange noises coming from outlets. 

Temperature changes

Fluctuations in temperature can lead to materials within your home expanding and contracting. This can lead to creaking, popping and groaning sounds. Such noises are nothing to worry about unless you also start to notice cracks appearing. Consider whether there has been a sudden change in weather recently or whether you’ve recently turned on your home’s heating after a long cold period - this could be the cause of the noises.

Wind and drafts

Whistling sounds are typically caused by wind getting into a home. This wind could be getting into your home via a crack in a wall or a gap in a door frame. By sealing these entry points, you can reduce the noise and keep your home warm. Loose windows, doors, tiles and flashing can meanwhile rattle in the wind. If you’re hearing rattling sounds and it’s windy outdoors, consider whether this is the cause (by securing down the item that is rattling, you can stop the noise).