Up until recently, my family and I lived in a brand new, newly built property. It took us a while to become accustomed to the sounds newly built houses make. I was used to creaks and cracks from older properties. But nothing quite prepared me for the sounds my newly built house would make. When we moved back into an older property, we once again heard every single noise in the house. Sometimes these sounds are nothing, but they could also be an indication that there is a problem in your house.
A freshly built or moved-into home isn’t just a structure; it’s a genuine orchestra of noises, each with its own story to tell. Or at least, that’s how it can feel as you get used to the bangs, thuds and creaks of a new property. Getting used to “new house sounds” can keep you up or wake you up at night, but don’t worry, because sooner or later you’ll be completely used to them.
For example, you may have the household boiler or water heater turned on at a particular time each morning. Just to make sure the tiles of the bathroom aren’t at arctic temperatures as you walk on them with bare feet to the shower.
That said, sounds are also an indicator of problems or at least issues worth looking at. So, in this post, we’ll discuss a few of those sounds and what their presence could mean for your household. This way, you know what maintenance issues should hold your attention. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Drainage Issues
If you hear gurgling, gargling sounds that seem to crop up any time you use the taps, then there could be a drainage issue. These gargling sounds may also be accompanied by a relatively unappealing smell. In some cases, it may just be worth pouring hot water down your shower drain or bleaching them out appropriately. In other cases, you may need to ask for the help of a drain repair specialist who can more easily identify the problem. It’s best not to avoid this help, especially if the drain issues are new. They could lead to possible leaks or even bursting pipes.
Pests
If you hear scratching and tapping, humming or buzzing, or even squeaking, well, you could have a pest problem. In some cases, the issues aren’t so bad. For example, a family of bats in your attic will usually fly away, and give you the ability to find how they came in and to plug that opening. However, mice, rats and other pests can chew through cables. They can also leave droppings, and suffer from poor hygiene, which is why using helpful pest control can be ideal. Note that it’s not just furry animals that may need to be considered. As termites and bed bugs also require this attention.
Boiler Groans
If your boiler has been making odd sounds like groaning (not vocally, of course), bangs or thuds, it may be a sign that it needs servicing or the water pressure isn’t balanced correctly. Left unattended, these issues could signify a safety risk or perhaps being unable to use the advice at all. Having this serviced every year is key. But you can also call out technicians who will be able to identify the fault and properly move on from there. In some cases, a full replacement will be scheduled for the good of your home.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more comfortable engaging and understanding the sounds of a new household. And what that means for its condition.
