This page provides our index to detailed procedures for building noise troubleshooting: causes & cures.
Here we provide an extensive catalog of the sources of annoying sounds or noise complaints at or around buildings.
We provide a complete index to sources of sounds helps diagnose, & cure noise problems in or at buildings.
These articles discuss building noise control: how to inspect, diagnose & cure noise or sound problems in homes or commercial buildings. Information is provided about auditory (hearing), visual, historic, medical, or other clues of building condition that explain various sounds heard in buildings.
We also discuss methods of sound or noise control in buildings during construction or as a building retrofit.
Page top photo: an attic pull-down stair that doesn't close fully not only increases your building's heating cost, it may permit attic and rooftop noises to sound rather loud in the occupied space below.
The author is a building, environmental & structural inspector and a forensic microscopist. A member of ASHRAE and previously, AIHA, ASHI and other professional associations, he has a special interest in noise and sound diagnosis and has assisted in building noise complaint resolution since the 1970s.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
- Daniel Friedman, Editor/Publisher - See WHO ARE WE?
This page lists key articles useful in finding the source of annoying building noises or sounds, understanding when noises indicate problems in the building or its mechanical system, and controlling or eliminating building noise.
- Author, D. Friedman, has provided noise source location, diagnosis & cure investigation & services in U.S., Spain, Mexico, New Zealand and other locations since 1985.
Also use the page top (blue area) search box to search InspectApedia by noise type, or use Ctrl-F to search within this article for specific noise or sound types such as buzz, creak, hiss, drip, etc.
Some building noises are just an annoyance - we'll focus on sound control, sound isolation, and sound insulation methods. But other building sounds or noises may be a sign of trouble, failing equipment, insect attack, rodent infestation, or other more dangerous conditions.
Our page top photo showed a severe air bypass leak at an attic pull-down stair. Occupants could at times hear air rushing through this opening.
This article explains how to locate the source of, identify and correct various building sounds and noises indoors or on occasion, noises from outside that penetrate indoors at annoying levels.
While we touch on environmental noise coming from outside of buildings (aircraft noise, highway noise, noisy neighbors) the focus of this article series is on identifying and curing unwanted indoor noise sources in buildings - noise control.
To find what you need quickly, if you don't want to scroll through this index you are welcome to use the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX to search InspectApedia for specific articles and information.
See our ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS for a complete list of building & building system noise diagnosis and cure articles including detailed articles on specific sound types, names, sources, causes, cures.
Regardless of their source, noises are transmitted in buildings by two methods.
Airborne Sound:
Sound waves traveling through air move between building areas - such as through open windows, doors, or stairwells.
Mechanically transmitted sound:
When sounds move through solid building components such as floors, ceilings, walls, framing, carrying sound from one area to another the sound transmission is referred to more technically as impact insulation class transmission or IIC sound transmission.
In many cases the source of an annoying building sound may be obvious and we can move immediately to strategies for reducing that source to an acceptable noise level. But we also receive queries from people who have difficulty tracing a sound to its source, or who are unsure if a sound that they hear at a known source (say a humming sound at an electrical component) is normal or means trouble.
In our collection of sources of building sounds and noises, below, we describe common noises that may come from various sources and we link to more detailed diagnostic and repair advice for these problems.
Separately at SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS
we provide a series of detailed articles on noise or sound transmission control - that is, methods for reducing unwanted building noise levels through building design, insulation, sound isolation, and noise barriers.
To track a mystery-noise or sound to its source in a building, try keeping a noise log, noting the conditions, times, events, and information we list in our printable sound event log worksheet:
We provide a sound event log in three formats:
Beginning below, we provide an alphabetically-ordered catalog of building noises and sounds, with suggestions for tracking down these disturbances.
Miscellaneous sources of screaming noises in and around buildings include equipment with small moving parts such as the fan in the Mill International B.V. brand electric heater shown above.
Purchased at Amazon in 2020, this heater includes both convection heat and a small fan to increase heater output. In 2021, the fan motor failed in the middle of the night, making a horrible screaming screeching noise.
While these heaters are no longer sold in the U.S., the company has said it stands behind its warranty and that the heater's purchase price will be refunded.
Despite decades of investigations into the causes of various noises in buildings, I've never heard a mouse squeaking in a building. But there are other squeaking noise sources, often from failing bearings or moving parts like door hinges that need a bit of oil. If you do have a mouse problem in your building.
Photo source: U.S. CDC, cited in the article below.
see MOUSE in the HOUSE GET RID of ANIMAL PESTS
Photo: a mouse, above, courtesy of the US CDC.
This topic has been moved to a new article found
at AIR LEAK NOISES in BUILDINGS
This article topic has been moved to a new article found
at ANIMAL NOISES in BUILDINGS
Photo above: Isn't that raccoon cute? Not exactly. Especially if you trap a wild animal inside your building you're not only scaring it, your're risking a dangerous animal bite.
Watch out: for bites, rabies, and for raccoons who like to find a way into the attic where they bat around the Christmas tree ornaments and leave little sooty footprints all over everything
This article topic has been moved to a new article found
at APPLIANCE NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Appliance noises in buildings are a bit easier to track down.
If you are uncertain just which appliance is a noise source, or if it is a noise source, just try turning off individual appliances to check for cessation of noise. Appliance noises cover a wide range, from humming refrigerator compressors to rattling loose metal parts to all sorts of amazing sounds heard at washing machines and dishwashers.
This article topic has been moved to a new article found
at CHIMNEY NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Watch out: A chimney fire sounds like a roaring freight train.
If you suspect a chimney fire and can do so safely, shut down your wood stove (close all air intakes) or close any chimney dampers as well, immediately exit the building, and call the fire department from outdoors.
This noise diagnosis and repair topic is now found
at DRIPPING WATER SOUND SOURCES
Please see details we have moved
Watch out: Electrical System Noises can be signs of dangerous conditions: buzzing circuit breakers or fixtures may indicate that an electrical circuit is short circuiting or that a circuit breaker is not tripping when it should.
This topic has moved
Also see FAN NOISES, HVAC
This information was moved to
FLOORING NOISES in BUILDINGS
Also see FLOOR TYPES & DEFECTS - inspection, diagnosis, repair, and installation tips for resilient flooring, vinyl and asphalt floor tiles, wood flooring, tile floors, carpeting in buildings.
Among of our building inspection & diagnosis clients have been a few folks who were quite sure that noises and even some visions in buildings were due to the presence of spirits or ghosts.
In most cases sounds and odors were tracked to a physical source and speaking more accurately, if a physiological, psychological, or neurological cause of noise perception is ruled out, all other building noises can ultimately be tracked to a physical source inside or outside of the building.
Readers with suggestions about diagnosing unresolved odors -
See ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
or unexplained noises in buildings -
See NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE
are invited to comment using the comment box found at the bottom of each InspectApedia article.
We have traced creaking, chirping, and creaking noises to moving hardware, typically metal or wood or metal and wood parts moving across one another.
More often we find these building noise sources by tracking the sound to a point of origin, seeing something moving, and then relating the sound to the cause of movement. A squeak or creak may be traced to use of a particular building door such as a room passage door or a cabinet door.
Often a squeak or creak that seems to occur in regular intervals that diminish in volume is traced to a hinged fixture that moves when disturbed. Some examples include:
Photo above: a whirring windy sound is produced deliberately by this white noise machine we observed in a physician's office.
An introduction to this topic is now found
at HEALTH-RELATED NOISE PERCEPTION
Details about this topic are found
at HEALTH RELATED NOISE EFFECTS. Health related noise and apparent noise sources can involve common aging or hearing disorders, dementia, or other serious medical conditions.
Hearing Disabilities and the ability to identify and track the source of noises in buildings can be difficult for the hearing impaired.
Details are
at HEARING DISORDER NOISE ISSUES
A quick summary of common sources of heating noise problems is
at HEATING SYSTEM NOISES in BUILDINGS
Or see our detailed heating noise diagnosis and repair article series on heating system noises found
at HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS
This data was moved to HISSING SOUNDS in BUILDINGS
Please see HUMMING NOISES in BUILDINGS
A summary of common sources of howling noises in buildings with links to howling noise diagnostic articles
see HOWLING NOISES in BUILDINGS
(Nov 2, 2014) Carolyn said:
We just had our deck rebuilt, changing the warped wood for grooved composite boards held together by hidden Trex fasteners.
The new deck makes a howling sound when the wind blows. We ruled out the deck balusters and railing, so we know it is something to do with the decking. Our builder is as stumped as are we. Any ideas on how to get to the root of the problem and fix it?
Reply:
Carolyn, if I could send you a prize for "best question" I'd do so.
Before posing a solution lets gain confidence in the noise cause.
I suspect the howling deck is a feature of one of the following, combined of course, with wind direction and site or terrain shape and features.
. Size / spacing of decking boards or gaps
. Framing orientation vs wind direction
. Wind over textured surface
. Wind through guardrails or balusters
. Wind redirection caused by decking,
. Something else we've not thought of
You could try a directional mike, even a mechanic's stethoscope but let's try something else first.
Try stapling house wrap first underneath the entire deck floor, from below, on the bottom of the joists. Don't worry, it won't be permanent.
For a complete discussion of howling noises traced to building decks including a completion of discussion of Carolyn's question above,
see HOWLING DECK NOISE- surface textures of decking, possibly framing, deck gaps, wind direction, other factors
Insect noise and insect-caused noises in buildings include the following
Our article PLUMBING SYSTEM NOISE SOURCES lists the sources of all types of plumbing noises and traces them to their source.
For the broad topic of controlling plumbing noises in buildings
see SOUND CONTROL for PLUMBING
Details about roof noise and sound transmission cause and remedy are
at ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION - topic home. Excerpts are below.
Certain building configurations, such as occupied attics or under-roof areas with cathedral ceilings, and metal roofed buildings may transmit noises to the building interior through the roof sheathing and building framing.
Where roof-transmitted sound reduction is most sought is in buildings located close to high noise areas such as under the flight path to airports.
Our photo of metal roofed homes (above) shows two older metal-roofed houses in Key West, Florida.
Roof noises may be described as those attributed to an obvious source: the patter or even the roar of falling rain or hail, popping and cracking noises (perhaps due to thermal expansion and contraction of roof coverings, metal roofing, or roof structure), and transmitted noises from other external sources such as low-flying aircraft or nearby trains or auto & truck traffic from a nearby highway.
Accurate diagnosis of the source of roof noise transmission is important in deciding what remedy may work best.
For example, check during rainfall to accurately determine the loudest sound source - you might find that more noise is transmitted to the building interior through skylights than through the roof surface itself.
To the human ear, cutting noise levels in half, a
reduction of over 20 decibels is quite significant. - Colbond [2]
We describe
at METAL ROOF EXPOSED FASTENER FLASHING
One frequently cited disadvantage of metal roofing is that it generates a noticeable noise when struck by rain, hail, or even dropping acorns. If installed directly to purlins with no roof sheathing, the noise might be heard in the building interior.
However, when installed over a solid substrate, with normal levels of insulation, the noise should not be noticeably different than with other roofing types.
See details about roof noise source detection and noise control at
STC or sound transmission class is defined as the level of reduction of sound transmission from outside noise sources to the building interior.
Higher STC numbers mean higher resistance to sound transmission to the building interior, or as acousticians would describe it, higher STC means greater sound transmission loss between outdoors and the building interior. Typical STC values for metal buildings are STC=20 to STC=55.
OITC or Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class describes the sound transmission loss properties of building exterior components like windows and walls against noise from traffic, trains, or low flying aircraft.
- General Steel Corporation [3]
I had an Owens Corning roof installed with Tru Definition shingles. They installed a Ridge Vent with O'hagin vents and there are the T Top Vents.
During a wind storm I hear a sound coming from the front of the house that sounds like a horn sound. It goes on and off for the entirety of the wind storm. Had the roofer here and he can't pinpoint what is making the horn sound or how to fix it. Ideas? - (Jan 13, 2015) Bonnie
Reply:
Bonnie
I'd start by temporarily blocking off the ridge vent by simply taping some plastic over it.
Also see NOISE TRANSMISSION in ROOFS
This material moved to a new article
Stair noises in buildings include noisy stair treads that may creak or snap when stepped-on. See
STAIRWAYS: Stair, Railing, Landing Safety Inspections, stair codes, stair design, stair hazards, stair inspection checklist
Also see FLOORING & FLOOR NOISES
and see POPPING SNAPPING NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noise transmitted through walls (or ceilings) from mechanical rooms (boilers, furnaces) or utility rooms (WASHING MACHINE NOISE CAUSE & CURE, dryer) can be reduced by using good sound isolation construction and insulating materials.
See SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS for a series of articles on sound control in buildings.
WATER HEATER NOISES in buildings include
Crackling or popping sounds as the water heater is warming up, especially if the water supply is high in mineral content, leading to mineral deposits on the bottom of the water heater or on electric water heating elements.
Photo: an AO Smith gas fired water heater that was making a rumbling popping noise.
Notice that it's installed next to an air handler that provides heating and cooling to this building - another potential noise source.
Water heater noises & sounds:
see WATER HEATER NOISE DIAGNOSIS, CURE for details, diagnosis, and cure of water heater sounds.
Watch out: water heater noises can indicate a high level of water heater scaling that increases water heating cost, reduces the quantity of hot water available, and can reduce water heater life.
Water heater noises can also indicate that the heater has been set to a too-high temperature and may be unsafe, risking scalding or other hazards.
See these noise-related water heater articles:
Wind Noise and wind-caused noises in buildings include a surprising number of mechanisms and sounds now discussed
at WIND NOISES at BUILDINGS
While sound-reducing or low-sound transmission windows using noise-reducing laminated glass and similar noise-reducing exterior or interior building doors are available, remember that as soon as you open a window for ventilation, the sound isolation benefit at that location is lost.
Sound-reducing doors should be of solid materials, have no glass windows or glazing, and should be sealed around the door perimeter with sound insulating foam or similar gaskets.
...
InspectAPedia is the creation of Daniel Friedman, based on over 50 years of experience in building construction & inspection, building mechanical systems, indoor environmental hazards, and forensic investigation. InspectApedia also includes contributions from other experts and technical reviewers.
Daniel holds memberships in many professional organizations, has authored countless publications, and has presented classes and seminars on many related topics. For more details of Daniel’s experience, expertise, and qualifications, please see WHO ARE WE?
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
On 2023-10-22 by Day canoeist - noises carry farther when we're canoeing
Do you think noises carry farther when we're canoeing and when we are in the city?
Reply by InspectApedia Publisher - sounds carry farther over water
@Day canoeist,
In general sounds carry farther over water particularly quiet water and are more lost in background noise of a city.
On 2023-08-21 by Anonymous - strange noise every few minutes
I am in an apartment building and here this strange noise every few minutes mostly in the evenings. Sounds like it is coming from above or next to the apt. Almost like something plumbing or mechanical. Usually two of these segments and then two more in ten minutes.
On 2023-08-21 by InspectApedia Publisher - Keeping a noise log can help identify noise source
@Anonymous,
Keeping a noise log as described above on this page at SOUND EVENT LOG might help you identify just what equipment is running at the intervals that makes that noise.
On 2023-07-12 by Kathy - humming noise in my house
In December, I began to get a humming noise in my house. It was traced to a faulty Xcel transformer next to my property. Xcel replaced the transformer and the humming got better.
But it has returned and has gotten worse. However, the transformed is quiet. I have contacted Xcel, but since the transformer is working correctly, they do not believe it is related to their equipment.
What else could be causing it? I have tried to drown it out with fans and a white noise machine, but nothing helps. It keeps me awake at night. Who could help me find the source of this problem?
Any help is appreciated. E-mail: cathygregorich@comcast.net
Reply by InspectApedia Publisher - what is causing the humming noise I hear
@Kathy,
Sure, glad to help.
Above at this page where we list tracking different types of noises to their source we have a link to
HUMMING NOISES
That's a good place to start. Step through that checklist and let me know what you find.
On 2023-02-27 by Bernice - strange rumbling noises at my condo & walls shake
For the past few months, residents living in this cracking, crumbling, neglected, low rise condominium building have been hearing strange rumbling noises that sometimes shake and shudder the walls and floors of many units on every floor.
At first we thought someone had built a skateboard ramp in their rental unit because the rumblings sounded very much like somebody was occasionally skating ramp from one side to the other because the sounds and vibrations would always come in patterns of two,, only a few times a day.
When the frequency of the sets increased to every few hours and most every long term tenant in building began questioning each other trying to determine where the sounds were coming from,
some suggested the sounds could be the result of tenants opening and closing their lanai’s sliding glass doors, but then the sounds increased to several times hour every hour around the clock
to the point it completely unimaginable that anybody would do such a thing as constantly open and shut their doors that frequently and our investigations of where could this rumbling be coming from
only proved that tenants on every floor from one end of the building to the other have been baffled and even quite worried by these sounds and other thunking and pipe clanging sounds that accompany what feels like the floors are moving beneath our feet.
There are so many warning signs that this old building is about to collapse, I fear for my children’s and grandchildren’s lives and actively searching for another home to rent.
So much debris has fallen from exterior walls and from beneath the bottom floor lanais that there’s caution tape and cones warning residents to avoid at least five areas around the building and surrounding property.
And there’s been two fires in a span of less than one year, as well as life threatening fire hazards from ancient faulty electrical wiring and massive cockroach infestations in nearly every unit,
as well as constant plumbing breaks and mysterious water puddles coming up through the floors and condensation bubbling the paint on the walls and ceilings, oh, and there’s rats and termites, too.
What do you think may be causing those sounds ? And do you have any suggestions about what authorities I should alert about these problems before I move?
I can’t in good conscience just leave the building knowing how many lives could be in danger if this should-be-condemned building crushes down on top of them.
On 2023-02-27 by InspectApedia Editor - imminent risk of catastrophic building collapse requires immediate action
@Bernice,
Watch out: Considering the risk of injury and loss of life should your building collapse, and given no other information but what you've cited, in my opinion you should call 911 - emergency services, and report that building noises and history raise enough worry about a possible catastrophic building collapse that an expert evaluation is needed immediately.
You would then notify your building management and other occupants that you've raised this concern, also immediately.
Most likely, people should get OUT of the building immediately and move to a safe distance until experts have determined its safety. Rather than risk loss of life we have no choice but to err on the side of caution.
Please give us the location of the building and let us know what is the response to your 911 call. But don't waste more time on the internet. Call 911. Take action. Now.
On 2022-12-12 by Suzann - rhythmic perfectly timed snoring sounds in my den
I hear rhythmic perfectly timed snoring sounds in my den near exterior wall. You can’t hear it outside.
On 2022-12-12 by InspectApedia (Editor) - "I hear rhythmic perfectly timed snoring sounds in my den"
@Suzann,
Above on this page we suggest
Find the Source of Building Noises by Keeping a Sound or Noise Event LogTo track a mystery noise or sound to its source in a building, try keeping a noise log, noting the conditions, times, events, and information we list in our printable sound event log worksheet:
We provide a sound event log in three formats:
SOUND EVENT LOG a web article including explanation of what information should be recorded to help track down the source of building sounds & noises
BUILDING NOISE LOG a simplified printable html file
NOISE LOG, PRINTER-FRIENDLY- [PDF] RECOMMENDED - to assist in noise localization in buildings.
SOUND EVENT LOG - provides more detail
On 2022-12-13 by Suzann
@InspectApedia (Editor), I have! It’s crazy. 4:30am until midnight I’ve heard it. Perfectly spaced in time. No derivation.
On 2022-12-13 by (mod) - collect more details than just time
To make good use of a noise log to track down the source of that snoring sound, you need more than a time log. Take note of the other conditions suggested in our checklist / noise log, such as what equipment is operating, weather conditions, timers, traffic, etc.
Recently we tracked down a rather regular and loud clanking sound at a New York hotel to cars entering a parking garage in a rather steady stream. Each car drove over the same steel plate that was loosely set into the garage entrance. It took some looking around outside the hotel to find the noise source.
On 2022-12-21 by Nik - rhythmic perfectly timed snoring
@Suzann, I have the same thing - you described it perfectly. It's in between a half bath and a full bath, right in between two toilets, and it sounds like it's at the top. of my bathroom or at ear level. It's so weird - I originally thought it was a dog sleeping on the floor above me snoring, but now it sounds like something in the wall. I will check timing. I live in an old prewar building in UWS.
On 2022-12-21 by InspectApedia (Editor)
@Nik,
Snoring noises can certainly come from a plumbing fixture drain or even supply piping (some types of water hammer or water velocity noise in piping). Keeping a careful note using the Sound Log that we recommend can help track down the sound, as can the simple test of slightly closing the main water valve to reduce the water flow rate.
Don't forget to include hot water heating piping and radiators/baseboards in such diagnosis.
On 2022-12-07 by Anonymous - loud fan at neighboring commercial building
I don't know where to go with this. I have a neighbor that has a industrial building ... . Some type of noise; I'm guessing a large cooler fan is LOUD and seems to never stop.
Where can I find out what my rights are as a neighbor, how long this noise can be going on and on, who can give me information.
Does the noise supposed to exceed a certain amount of decibles if so how many and for how long. Please point me in the direction I need to be. Please.
On 2022-12-07 by InspectApedia (Editor) - How to register a noise complaint
@Anonymous,
How to register a noise complaint:
Noise complaints, a common concern, might be taken to your local building department; you need to identify your country and city of location; some cities have specific noise ordinances and enforcement authorities.
For example in San Francisco, CA, USA, In-Progress noise complaints are handled by the Police Non-Emergency Telephone Number 415-553-0123,
DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER if you do not live in San Francisco - I just gave this as an example.
For another example, in Paris France, If your noise issue not urgent, like to make a noise complaint in the evening, you should call your nearest police station (commissariat de police).
In a smaller city ask your building or zoning department whom to call.
For larger cities in most countries you can try a simple web-search for "noise complaints in "cityname" "
Watch out: if the noise you hear suggests that there could be a life-safety emergency such as hissing gas, crumbling collapsing structures, or if you smell gas, or fire-smoke, get everyone out of the building and call emergency services from a safe distance.
On 2022-11-30 by Feroza - terrible wind noise at condo
We live in a condo that is designed like a ship. Our unit is like a Arc design. The wind is terrible but acceptable but recently we have started getting noises in the evening and late night from above like a rotating movement object like it is churning very deeply.
Our management has checked everything on the roof and has ruled it out as wind noise. The wind is so severe here and we know the difference between howling and churning.
What could be the cause
On 2022-11-30 by InspectApedia (Editor)
@Feroza,
If the noise occurs only when there is wind, it is certainly wind-related.See WIND NOISES at BUILDINGS for a list of common sources of such sounds
On 2022-10-19 by A C - huge banging‘s or slamming noises in apartment building
Hi I live in a three-story apartment building on the second level and I live in an end unit. My bedroom has two exterior walls. One interior wall faces into the living room and the other into the bathroom.
In my room only, we hear huge banging‘s or slamming intermittently. I did not hear it for the first six months I lived here And then suddenly between August 16 and 19th I heard it for those four days on and off.
It never is after 9 PM at night but sometimes start as early as 8 AM. I didn’t hear it again until around 29 September or that week and now I’ve been hearing it for the last week and a half almost every single day.
It is terrifying my small 12 year old dog who is hiding in the closet or the bathroom shaking uncontrollably. I thought my upstairs neighbors were doing it but now I have corroborating evidence from other neighbors who were in the third floor apartment at the time the noise occurred and none of them were doing it as were no one in my home.
What can this slamming/banging be that is causing me severe stress and anxiety as well as my dog!?? I am at my wits end. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
On 2022-10-19 by InspectApedia (Editor) - "we hear huge banging‘s or slamming intermittently"
@A C,
Above on this page you will find lists of sources of banging noises in buildings.Best bet is to take a look through those and select the ones that could possibly apply to your building and then investigate those possible sources.
Examples include starting or stopping HVAC equipment, duct noises as metal ductwork is expanded or contracted by fans, doors, other mechanical equipment, vehicle traffic.
Let me know what you find or what further questions may arise.
On 2022-08-05 by Wallyburger@aol.com - explosion sound near my home theatre
I have a sound that sounds like a low “explosion” near my home theatre. This has been going on for several weeks. It happens at close to the same time every day and only lasts a few seconds.
I have tried turning off all components, disconnecting components and moving them away. I have sat by each speaker and do not hear the sound from them. I can not find the source. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
On 2022-08-05 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Wallyburger,
That certainly sounds like an electrical or wiring connection problem with your home theatre system.
I'm totally baffled, however, if in fact you've turned off components and still hear the sound.
I'd start over again. With power to the equipment OFF I'd check all of the speaker connections.
On 2022-07-23 by Poppy - rhythmic pump sound, usually late at night
Lived here a year and every now and then noticed a rhythmic pump sound, usually late at night, similar to the starting of a washing machine and the inlet of water. Recently this sound is constant and consistent — I’ve timed it as running for just over 6mins with a pause of just over 2mins. 24/7. Sometimes the pumping of water sounds strained and gargled, other times, it’s just like a flow.
I have no idea where’s it’s coming from. I have a very tiny kitchen — side by side are my washing machine, kitchen sink and boiler. I’ve checked all around them and behind the kickboards — It sounds as though it’s beneath the floor between them. I live in a basement and don’t believe there is a cavity under there.
My neighbour mentioned it could be a Saniflo — however, surely they do not run 24/7 and this is newly constant. Would anyone have any idea what this could be?
On 2022-07-24 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Poppy,
If there is Plumbing in a basement apartment it's very often the case but a pump is used to lift the Wastewater up to the building drain. If that's happening and if there is a leak somewhere that is leaking into the pumping chamber, such as a running toilet, that could cause a pump to cycle on and off.
On 2022-07-31 by Poppy
@InspectApedia-911, thanks very much for your reply. So it’s been happening for just over a month but just recently has been shorting out the electrics in the kitchen. I’m wondering if it’s become a hazard? Should this be the job for a plumber to solve or an electrician do you think?
On 2022-07-31 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Poppy,
Certainly any building defect or appliance or equipment malfunction that is causing a short circuit is dangerous, risking shock or fire.
It seems that a simple first step would be to turn off circuits, one by one, to see which circuit stops the noise.
When you find that circuit you'll then follow it (or have your electrician follow it) to see what it's powering.
On 2022-08-03 by Poppy
@InspectApedia-911, Brilliant. Thank you so much for your help! Much appreciated
On 2022-06-01 by Wanda - loud long whine or howling noise come from the same side of the house that the HVAC unit outside is on
Doing a whole house renovation. Removed furnace, HVAC and hot water heater. I've got a loud long whine or howling noise come from the same side of the house that the HVAC unit outside is on. The furnace was in the basement on that side also.
What is causing this noise? It comes and goes nothing long lasting just unexpected and kinda spooky. Contractor hasn't finished disconnecting all if the pipes from HVAC unit and possibly furnace. Any thoughts. He hasn't a clue.
On 2022-06-01 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Wanda,
If you've actually removed mechanical equipment and therefore it's not connected to power it seems to me that the noise has got to be coming from something that has been left in place. This article provides a check list of possible noise sources. Please take a look and don't hesitate to follow up with us
On 2022-05-25 by Dennis - undulating sound in my house 24/7
There is an undulating sound in my house 24/7. If Circuit breaker is shut off the sound is still there.
Many plumbers have come; when the water main is shut off the annoying sound is still there.
Is their some type engineer that can use an instrument to locate the source?
On 2022-05-25 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Dennis,
Yes often an audio engineer who is familiar with sound source tracing can use a dB meter to help track noises to their source.
But before going that more-costly route, take a look at
SOUND LOG - provides more detail
where you might find other factors such as other equipment on-off times that can help point to a source of noise.
On 2022-03-26 by Anonymous - exposion sounds in Florida
Explosion sounds right now saint cloud, fl?
On 2022-03-26 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - first check for an immediate emergency & get out of the building if present
@Anonymous,
Watch out: If there are explosion sounds coming from INSIDE YOUR HOME you should get everyone out and call 911.
Otherwise while there are other less-likely booming noise sound sources in Florida, for the case you mention, you may be hearing aircraft-generated booming sounds - your location is not far from Florida's Patrick Airforce Base or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
On 2022-02-02 by Kelly Trewella - loud bang every 35 minutes
Every 35 minutes I hear a loud bang inside my home. It doesn’t correlate with water running or the heater turning on. It happens when nothing is running. I’ve been in my utility closet when it happens (in my basement). Nothing is happening in there.
It seems to be above the basement below the first floor. No clogged drains or backed up water. Is this a plumbing issue or an HVAC issue?
On 2022-02-02 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator
@Kelly Trewella,
Please take a look at our catalog of sources of banging noises in homes
BANGING BOOMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE
and let us know what you find after stepping through those noise sources and noise diagnosis suggestions.
...
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Racket, din, clamor, noise. Whatever you want to call it, unwanted sound is America's most widespread nuisance. But noise is more than just a nuisance. It constitutes a real and present danger to people's health.
Day and night, at home, at work, and at play, noise can produce serious physical and psychological stress. No one is immune to this stress. Though we seem to adjust to noise by ignoring it, the ear, in fact, never closes and the body still responds - sometimes with extreme tension, as to a strange sound in the night.
The annoyance we feel when faced with noise is the most common outward symptom of the stress building up inside us. Indeed, because irritability is so apparent, legislators have made public annoyance the basis of many noise abatement programs.
The more subtle and more serious health hazards associated with stress caused by noise traditionally have been given much less attention. Nonetheless, when we are annoyed or made irritable by noise, we should consider these symptoms fair warning that other things may be happening to us, some of which may be damaging to our health.