When first turning the heating system on in the fall homeowners often hear a groaning noise. You should also expect normal clicking and knocking with a baseboard hot-water system. However, the pump to the system should be silent. If you hear knocking located at the boiler itself, get a repairman to check it out right away!
Related: 7 Things to Do Right Now for a Warmer Winter
Ever hear strange noises coming from the attic, or scratching and chittering coming from behind the wallpaper? Chances are you could have mice, raccoons, or even squirrels in your home. As soon as you suspect the possibility of pests, get on it immediately. For smaller rodents, set traps. For larger, more stubborn intruders, calling a pro will be your best bet. To prevent future problems, seal up any entrances in your home.
Related: Pests, Be Gone! 10 Natural Ways to Make Your Home Critter-Free
If nobody is using the plumbing, you definitely shouldn’t be hearing any water running. The sound could indicate a busted pipe somewhere in your home—even inside a wall or under the floor. Unless you’re super handy, call a plumber ASAP!
Related: 8 Home Hazards—and How to Mitigate Them
A hot water heater works like a pot of boiling water, after a fire is lit, the water inside is heated until it’s ready for use. Sediment tends to build up at the bottom of the hot water tank. The strange crackling sound you hear is from the sediment bubbling, which could be a sign that the tank might be prematurely failing. To help prevent this situation, flush out your hot water tank every few months.
Related: What Would Bob Do? Draining a Water Heater
That could mean that your filter needs to be changed, which is causing the furnace to overcompensate and eventually suck exhaust gases into the home. You should change the filters on a monthly basis.
Related: Solve Common Furnace Problems with 9 Easy Fixes
If you’ve got a well for your water, you’ve got a well pump—either in the house or in your yard. It works by pulling water into a holding tank, where it's stored for use. If you hear it switch on every time you open the tap, that's a problem. The well pump switching on and off so frequently causes premature wear and tear. It's likely there is a leak in the system. Check your fixtures for leaks and if necessary call a plumber.
Related: 8 Common Water Problems—and Their Cures
If your home has gas then that hissing noise could indicate a leak. You'll often also smell gas in the event of a leak, but if you hear the noise near the gas meter or at a home’s outdoor gas post, vacate the premises immediately and call the gas company.
Related: 11 Home Hazards to Know and Avoid
If you're interested in more home tips, consider:
15 Spring Home Maintenance Musts
Easy DIY Fixes for 11 Annoying House Problems
20 Insanely Easy 60-Minute Home Improvements
If you think of your dishwasher, microwave, and coffee maker as one-trick ponies... think again!
Enroll now and learn DIY basics from the next generation of home improvement experts
