Your home’s mysterious noises can make it seem like a scary place, but thuds in the pipes, rustling in the attic and scratches against windows are not supernatural.

They are, however, a cause for concern — especially for your bank account.

Every creak, hiss and clank coming from your pipes or walls is a cry for help to fix these problems before they cost you even more money.

Do you think your home is trying to tell you something? Click on the sounds below and learn how you can fix the problem.


1. Hiss…

Wheelchair accessible toilet with a support rail on the side
Malfunctioning toilets can make hissing or screaming noises.

Toilets that run constantly or don’t flush properly are a common problem.

To fix a toilet, adjust the float to control the water level in the tank — then replace the flapper valve before adjusting the chain length between the handle and the flapper. If the chain is broken or corroded, replace it. 

See How to Remove and Replace a Toilet for more details.


2. Drip…Drip…Drip…

The annoying drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet is more than annoying; it could lead to high water bills.

Leaky faucet? Turn off the water supply before removing the fixture’s cover and handles; these are held on with screws on the valves.

Now remove the old worn washer and replace it with one of the same size and thickness. Then reassemble the pieces in reverse order.

Read: How to Repair a Leaky Faucet



3. Thud…Thud…Thud…

If you hear thuds and thumps while your faucet is turned on, that’s a water hammer.

The thumping sound often heard when water to a faucet or other plumbing fixture is turned on or off is called water hammer. It almost sounds like a jackhammer in your walls and it’s caused by a sudden change in water pressure in the pipes.

You can prevent it by installing a water hammer arrester or water expansion tank in the water line near your hot water heater.

Both these devices work by providing a compressible cushion of air that acts as a shock absorber to reduce spikes in pressure in the waterline. Watch this video to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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