Snap, crackle, pop! These noises don't just come from a cereal bowl, but from your attic, basement, and every floor in between. If your home is putting on a worrisome symphony of creaking and hissing, fear not. We asked experts to translate what your home's noises are trying to tell you, and also provide solutions to shut down the causes so the sound effects aren't driving you nuts.
Translation: This means your toilet is running when you're not on it—and likely costing you wads of cash in high water bills.
To fix it, "ensure that the flapper in the toilet tank is completely covering the valve opening. If not, replace the flapper," says J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, the nation's leading commercial and residential repair, maintenance, and improvement franchise.
"If the flapper is completely covering the valve opening, check to make sure the float is adjusted so that the water level is approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow pipe," Sassano says.
Water should stop filling the tank when the float reaches the proper water line level. If not, the float assembly will need to be adjusted.
Translation: Uh oh, you might have a leaky flapper on your hands.
Translation: "Sounds in a house can be benign or baneful," says Frank Lesh, executive director of the American Society of Home Inspectors.
A squeak in the attic could be wood shrinking or expanding because of cold, moisture, or heat. "Or it could be the sound of a roof rafter failing under a heavy snow load," Lesh notes. If your mystery noise happens around the same time of the day, it's probably the former.
"However, a loud, sudden crack could be a sign of an imminent problem," says Lesh. He recommends a careful examination of the attic with a bright flashlight to pinpoint the issue.
Translation: Yikes—this could be a hidden plumbing leak.
Lesh advises getting the opinion of a local, qualified home inspector at ASHI if you hear this sound.
Immediately contact a home inspector or licensed electrician if you suspect electrical issues.
Translation: Yep, you have a gap in the wood. If the underside of your staircase is accessible, Sassano suggests installing shims "and applying construction adhesive to all visible gaps between treads and risers.
Translation: Do your waterlines start banging as soon as you turn on the faucets? You're not alone.
To minimize noise, "turn the faucet on slowly," says Glovan. Pipes also bang when a faucet or appliance that uses water is turned off abruptly. To fix both issues, secure all pipes and ensure no two are touching.
Translation: And then there is something called "the worldwide hum," according to Glen MacPherson. This is an unusual low-frequency sound heard around the globe—and it lacks any discernible source.