We often encounter unexplained noises to startle and bewilder us in our homes. One such phenomenon is the occurrence of loud thumping sounds reverberating through our houses. These intrusive noises can disrupt our peace of mind and trigger curiosity about their origins.
When this happens, you’ll want to know what causes the unexplained loud bang in the house. One culprit behind the loud thumping or whistling sound is the plumbing system. Suddenly, a valve closes, or the rapid flow of water through pipes can create a water hammer, resulting in an unmistakable thump.
Sediment build-up in water heaters and prolonged use of propane-heated tanks can also contribute to these alarming noises. The shifting and settling of houses over time can lead to loud bangs as the structural components adjust and the walls accommodate these subtle movements. When the ground freezes during colder months can amplify the effect.
If improperly maintained or with restricted airflow, the HVAC system can generate clanking and banging noises, particularly within the ductwork. Other potential causes include air chambers, aluminum ductwork, and even simple wear and tear in the building materials. In our guide, you can learn more about the loud banging noise in house at night. By the end, you’ll better understand what causes loud banging noises and whether you need professional help or can fix it yourself. (Read Does Salt Put Out Fire)
Common Noises In House Walls
One of the common noises that homeowners experience inside their house walls is a loud thump sound. One quick fix for a loud thump sound in your house walls is to install water hammer arrestors. These devices reduce the pressure and prevent water from slamming into the pipes when you turn off the faucet or appliance.
If you suspect your HVAC system restricts airflow causing banging sounds in the ducting, consider an HVAC technician to inspect and repair any issues.
Banging Noises In The Walls
Banging noises in the walls is often water hammer, which occurs when water flowing through pipes suddenly stops or changes direction. To avoid sediment, build up to contribute to water hammer, it’s important to regularly flush out your water heater and install a pressure-reducing valve if you don’t already have one.
Sometimes loose pipes or poorly secured valves can also contribute to banging sounds on the walls. It’s important not to ignore these noises, as they might lead to costly damage if left unchecked.
Loud Banging Noises
Loud banging noises can be alarming, especially if it’s not something you’ve experienced before. One cause is the house settling around the outer edges. As homes age, the materials used to build them deteriorate and shift. This can cause walls and floors to creak and groan, leading to loud banging noises.
Another cause of loud thump sounds in your home could be sediment build-up in your pipes. Over time, minerals from water can accumulate in your plumbing system, causing a blockage that leads to pressure buildup. When this pressure becomes too much for the pipes to handle, it can cause a loud banging noise that echoes throughout your house.
Clanking Sounds
One reason for house clanking sounds could be propane-heated tanks. If these tanks are not secured properly, they may shift and make loud noises that resemble metal hitting metal. This problem can usually be solved by tightening the bolts or straps holding the tanks. Clanking sounds often concern cold water pipes expanding and contracting as the temperature changes. Insulating the pipes with foam sleeves or blankets can help reduce this noise.
Bubbling And Popping Sounds
Trapped air or water within the pipes can cause these sounds. As water flows through the plumbing system, it can create pockets of air trapped in the pipes. When the water comes to a stop, the air bubbles move around and make a bubbling sound. Another cause of bubbling and popping sounds is a faulty HVAC system. If your furnace or AC unit is not working correctly, it could lead to strange noises emanating from the unit itself or ductwork in your home. (Read Big Fat Black Flies In My House)
Whistling Noises
Loud thumping sounds could be because of a valve closing too quickly. This sudden closure can create pressure waves that travel through the pipes and make a loud noise heard throughout the house. Another cause of whistling and clanking noises is loose pipes banging against each other when water flows through them. This problem is often seen in older homes where the plumbing has not been updated for many years.
The solution is usually to secure the pipes more securely, either by adding additional supports or wrapping them with insulation or foam padding to reduce vibrations and noise.
What Causes Water Hammer and Other Noises?
Here are areas of your home that cause these noises:
Loose Water Supply Pipes
If you hear a loud thump sound in your house, it’s possible that the aluminum ductwork is to blame. These types of ducts are prone to expanding and contracting when hot or cold air flows through them. Another cause could be loose water supply pipes. When these pipes become loose, they can rattle around and hit nearby objects, creating a loud banging noise.
To fix loose water supply pipes, you’ll need to locate the source of the problem first. Check any exposed pipes for signs of movement or damage and tighten any loose fittings with a wrench. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make repairs as needed. (Learn How To Find A Cricket In Your House)
High Water Pressure
High water pressure causes a loud thump sound in the house. When the water pressure is too high, it can create a shock wave, causing pipes to vibrate. This vibration can lead to the loud banging or thumping sound many homeowners experience. If you are experiencing this issue, it is vital to take action quickly before it causes damage to your plumbing system. One solution is to install a water pressure regulator, which will help control and stabilize your home’s water pressure.
Water Hammer
Water hammers cause loud thumping in the pipes of your house. When water flows through the pipes, it creates pressure and momentum. If you suddenly stop the flow of water, this energy has to go somewhere–usually back up toward the source of the water. This results in a banging or thumping sound as water collides with an obstacle, like a valve or pipe fitting.
To prevent water hammer, you must install air chambers or arresters in your plumbing system. These devices create a cushion of air that absorbs the shockwaves created by sudden changes in water flow. However, if an existing air chamber becomes filled with water over time, it loses its effectiveness and may need to be drained and refilled.
Copper Pipes
If you hear a loud thump in your house, it could be about your copper pipes. One possibility is that the pipes have become loose and are banging against other objects as water travels through them. This can sometimes happen when the water pressure is too high or if there are sudden changes in water flow. (Read Car Parked In Front Of My House)
Another potential cause of loud thumps from copper pipes is called “water hammer.” This occurs when water stops flowing through a pipe, causing a shock wave to travel back through the system and create a loud noise. Water hammer can be caused by various factors, like turning off a faucet too quickly or having poorly installed valves.
