14 Spooky House-Settling Noises Homeowners Should Know

by Courtney Klosterman

Houses can make many noises, and knowing how to identify them is important for any homeowner. Sounds can indicate that there’s an issue with the health of your house and can range from benign noises to potential issues that require immediate attention.

Here are 14 house-settling noises homeowners should know, their possible meanings, and the steps homeowners should take to address them effectively.

1. Creaking floors or stairs

Creaking floors and stairs can result from the natural expansion and contraction of wooden materials due to temperature and humidity changes as well as the shifting of the house's foundation over time.

Actions to take: Check for signs of pest infestation and damage or shifting in support beams. Apply appropriate lubricants to wooden joints to minimize friction and noise. Tighten any loose nails or screws contributing to the noise. Muffle creaky sounds with rugs or carpets.

2. Popping or cracking noises

Popping or cracking sounds can arise from the expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature changes. These noises are generally harmless and often more noticeable during temperature fluctuations. Common areas where these sounds are emitted include basements, attics, or the first floor.

Actions to take: While most sounds of popping and cracking require no immediate action, you should periodically inspect your home for any visible signs of damage. Document any new cracks, shifts, or irregularities related to the noises. Keeping your home at a relatively stable temperature can help minimize the frequency of these noises.

3. Hissing or running water sounds

Hissing or running water sounds can indicate leaks or plumbing issues within walls or floors. Water damage can quickly become costly if not acted on quickly.

Actions to take: Inspect exposed fixtures, pipes and joints for signs of moisture or corrosion. Watch for any unusual increases in water usage either on your water utility bill or water meter that could indicate a problem. If there are any spikes in water usage or signs of pipe corrosion, contact a plumber.

4. Loud banging or clanking noises

Loud banging or clanking sounds are alarming and can indicate problems with your HVAC systems or pipes. These sounds should not be ignored, but there are situations where banging noises are normal. For example, people in duplexes or apartment buildings can hear loud banging noises when “water hammer” occurs. This scenario can happen in shared plumbing systems between units when there is a sudden and abrupt stop or change in the flow of water, which results in loud banging or thumping noises in pipes.

Actions to take: If the noises are coming from your HVAC system or pipes, turn off the HVAC system or water supply to prevent worsening the problem. Objects near your HVAC system or pipes can rattle and create noises. Ensure that everything is secure from vibration and not causing disturbance. If the noises are related to plumbing, check for exposed pipes that might knock against surfaces due to water pressure changes.

5. Gurgling or cracking noises

Gurgling or cracking sounds can come from the plumbing system and indicate water-flow or air issues in the pipes. Catching plumbing issues quickly can be tough since pipes are typically hidden behind walls. However, it’s important to take action quickly as these sounds could lead to system damage if left unaddressed.

Actions to Take: Pay close attention to the areas where the noises are most noticeable. Determine which fixtures, drains, or pipes are producing the sounds and check for blockages. Inspect sinks, toilets, and drains for clogs or blockages. Sometimes, gurgling noises can indicate slow drainage due to debris buildup. Look for water backflow. If you notice water backing up or draining slowly in sinks, showers, or toilets, you may have a plumbing issue. Contact a plumber is you cannot unclog the problem, or if the noises are not limited to a single fixture or area but affect multiple fixtures, drains, or pipes throughout your home.

6. Whistling noises near windows and doors

Whistling noises around windows and doors can come from drafts or gaps in the ceiling. These disruptive sounds impact comfort and air conditioning and heating efficiency which can lead to increases in utility bill costs.

Actions to take: Inspect the windows and doors, paying close attention to the frames, sashes, and weatherstripping. Look for any visible gaps or areas where the sealing might be compromised. Worn-out or damaged weatherstripping can allow air to enter, causing whistling sounds. Use appropriate sealing materials such as new weatherstripping, caulk, or door sweeps to seal gaps and prevent drafts.

A simple way to check for drafts around windows and doors is to move a candle around the edges to observe if the flame flickers. 

7. High-pitched ringing or buzzing

High-pitched ringing or buzzing sounds can indicate electrical issues such as loose wiring or a malfunctioning electrical component. These noises can lead to safety hazards if left unaddressed, increasing the possibility of house fires.

Actions to take: Turn off circuit breakers. Immediately turn off the circuit breaker associated with the area where the noise is heard. This precautionary step can prevent electrical accidents or fires. Carefully inspect the area for visible signs of electrical issues such as flickering lights, burn marks, or damaged outlets. Seek professional help if you're not experienced in handling electrical problems and want to ensure safety.

8. Gurgling noises in drains

Gurgling noises from drains can indicate poor drainage, venting issues, or larger plumbing problems within a plumbing system. Coverage for water backup isn’t always covered by homeowners insurance and can be costly to cover without appropriate coverage.

Actions to take: Determine which drains are producing the gurgling noises. Check sinks, showers, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures for visible blockages and debris. Slow drainage or standing water can cause gurgling. Poor plumbing ventilation can lead to gurgling. Check the vents on your roof or exterior walls for potential blockages. If a minor blockage is causing the noise, use a plunger to try and clear it. Contact a plumber if the problem persists, multiple drains or fixtures are gurgling simultaneously, or you suspect ventilation issues or complex plumbing problems.

9. Rattling or vibrating in ductwork

Rattling or vibrating noises from your HVAC ductwork can be caused by loose components or debris. These noises can impact indoor comfort and HVAC system efficiency. On average, a new HVAC unit can cost $2,500 - $5,000. However, before considering a costly replacement, you should address the source of the noise issue.

Actions to take: Inspect visible sections of the HVAC ductwork for loose components, gaps, or debris. Secure loose connections using appropriate fasteners. Look for any areas where the ducts might be contacting other surfaces and clear any debris, dust, or foreign objects that might rattling or vibrating.

10. Screeching dryer vent

Screeching sounds from the dryer vent can signal issues with its belt or components. Homeowners should address these sounds before they could lead to dryer inefficiency or malfunction. Not only that, fire hazards from dryer vent issues are a serious concern. Lint buildup and reduced airflow in the dryer vent can cause the dryer to overheat, potentially igniting lint and leading to a fire.

Actions to take: Immediately turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power source to prevent further damage or accidents. Inspect the rollers and bearings around the dryer interior where you place your clothes. Lubricate the moving parts. For most dryers, these components can wear out over time and cause screeching noises. Carefully examine the dryer belt for wear, fraying, or damage. A damaged dryer belt can cause screeching during operation. Clean your dryer vent duct. Regular cleaning can help protect your home and continue the safe operation of your dryer. If the dryer is damaged, refer to its troubleshooting manual or consider hiring a repair technician.

11. Cracking sounds in the fireplace

Cracking sounds in the fireplace happen as it heats and cools. However, persistent cracking sounds may require chimney inspection and maintenance. Common chimney hazards caused by cracking sounds include temperature fluctuations and structural integrity issues. Metal flue liners, the protective channels or tubes inside the chimney and firebox, contract and expand with temperature changes, creating a cracking noise. This is usually normal and not disruptively loud, unlike structural integrity issues which usually produce loud cracking noises, with louder cracking indicating larger damage.

Structural integrity issues such as collapsing chimney masonry will likely produce loud disruptive noises, but to assess these issues accurately, we suggest seeking professional help like a certified chimney sweep.

Actions to take: Check the firebox (the part of the fireplace where the fires come out from) and chimney interior for any signs of cracks. If there are no cracks yet noise persists, it’s likely due to normal temperature fluctiations. Narrow hairline cracks between bricks and stones can be handled easily with sealants, but larger structural damages, such as cracks and gaps increasing in size or leaning structures, should be handled by professionals.

12. Squeaking doors or hinges

Squeaking doors and hinges can be annoying and can be due to friction or lack of lubrication.

Actions to take: Locate the specific hinges causing the squeaking noises. Open and close the door to pinpoint the source. Apply a lubricant, such as silicone-based or WD-40, to the hinges. Open the door several times to allow the lubricant to work into the hinges. Tighten any loose screws to ensure the hinges are secure.

13. Scratching, rustling, or thumping in the walls or attic

Scratching, rustling, or thumping sounds in the walls or attic can be due to the presence of insects or animals. If unaddressed, these issues can lead to more significant repair problems, such as damage to insulation, electrical wiring, and structural components of your home. Insects and animals can settle within your home’s insulation which can impact temperature regulation. They can also gnaw at electrical wiring which leads to short-circuits, electrical malfunctions and fires.

Actions to take: Pay close attention to the sounds and try to identify their location and frequency. Investigate the area wearing the appropriate protective gear. Check for any visible openings or gaps in walls, roofs, or foundations where animals or other insects might be entering. Seal off any entry points and apply appropriate pest-control measures, or call a professional.

14. Scratching in your gutters

Scratching sounds in your gutters can be due to small animals seeking shelter such as squirrels or chipmunks. While not always harmful, it's important to ensure that your gutter system remains functional. Damage to your gutters can create a ripple effect of potential problems, from water leaking into the siding of the home, roof or foundation.

Actions to take: Inspect your gutters from a safe vantage point to determine if there's any signs of animal activity. If you identify debris in your gutters, safely remove it using gloves and appropriate tools. Installing mesh downspout covers can help prevent entry of pests.

Homes produce many house-settling noises, and understanding what they mean can make the difference between a lasting home or one with serious issues. With the right knowledge, homeowners can take the initiative to help preserve their homes.

Various types of mesh downspout covers can be installed into the inlets and over the outlets of downspouts to prevent debris accumulation and pest intrusion.

Editor's Note: Courtney Klosterman is Home Insights Expert at Hippo, a company focused on delivering proactive home protection.