Ignoring these scary noises in the home could result in worse and more expensive problems

• Whispering walls could mean there is a pest problem, which can cost £90-£240 to fix. Experts state if ignored, pests could make nests and start chewing through wires which could raise the cost to fix even further.

• Hissing from a radiator can be a cheap fix, but until the issue has been resolved this can reduce the effect of heating in the home.

• If a leaking gutter is left, this can lead to damage to the external brickwork, which can even cause internal damp. This could then result in damp patches, bubbling wallpaper and other water damage.

Ignoring any of these 8 sounds in the home could end up costing homeowners between £90 and £240 to fix.

These sounds as well as more sounds and information on other potential issues such as creaky floorboards, electrical buzzing, dripping taps and whistling windows can be found here: https://www.toolstation.com/content/things-that-go-bump-in-the-night

That’s according to new research from Toolstation that gathered common spooky sounds in the home that, as well as sounding scary can also indicate a potential problem. Toolstation has also spoken to a trade expert to reveal the real reason behind the noise, how it can be fixed, the estimated cost and what could happen if the noise is ignored.

In the lead-up to Halloween and with all things spooky, it’s easy for imaginations to run wild. Suddenly, an unusual noise in the home can give you a fright, and have you concluding that the house is overrun with ghosts. In fact, the real likelihood is something has gone wrong and all that’s needed is a tradesperson and some TLC.

Whispering Walls – Pest Problem

Cost Estimation: £90-£240 for Pest Control

A scratching noise coming from the inside of the walls at night most likely means there is a pest problem. This could mean rats or mice have found their way into the home via an opening or small hole in the foundations. This might be paired with finding small droppings around the home, teeth marks or pungent smells.

The first step would be to call pest control so they can assess and help solve the problem, for an estimated cost of £90-£240.

Commentary from expert trade professional, Mark from Cheshire:

“To me, this sounds like a likely case of a rodent infestation within the walls. If this is ignored, the pests could create a nest within your walls and start chewing through important wires. This could cause more serious problems and raise the cost to fix as you’d have to call out an electrician.”

Hissing from the radiator – Radiator needs bleeding

Cost estimation: £1-£3 for a radiator key

A hissing radiator means there is water or air moving through the heating system. Sometimes, too much air can get trapped in a radiator and stop it from heating up in parts, or even altogether. Bleeding the radiator is the best way to fix this issue, and this can be done at home with a radiator key.

This cheap fix would only cost between £1-£3. However, if the hissing is accompanied by banging and thumping or other louder noises, then a heating engineer will be needed to investigate further.

Expert Comment:

“Leaving your radiator to hiss, and not bleeding it, can lead to other problems that are worse than your original one. Firstly, trapped air means your heating will reduce despite you having it on, wasting your money. Leaving it for long enough will cause knock-on problems to the whole of your system and you’ll eventually have to call in a plumber. This will substantially increase the cost to fix.”

Rustling in the guttering – birds or a leak 

Cost Estimation: £120-£180 for a gutter servicing professional to fix the leak

Noises coming from your guttering could be a range of things, but it’s most likely pests, birds or worse, a leak. According to the expert, a leaking gutter can be due to unwanted holes in the pipes, a broken bracket, or a failed seal.

This would call for a gutter servicing professional to take a look, costing an estimate of £120-180. Fixing the issue straight away could save a lot of money down the line.

Expert Commentary:

“Leaving the gutter to leak could mean causing further damage to the outside and the inside of your home. A continuous stream of water can cause damage to the external brickwork, and if left long enough, could eventually cause internal damp. This would cause damp patches, bubbling wallpaper and other water damage.”

Peculiar Popping – Low pressure or kettling in boiler

Cost Estimation: £75-£300 for kettling repair

This sound could either be low water pressure or, more seriously, kettling. This is when the heat exchanged overheats and produces steam bubbles. When the bubbles move to a colder area, they make this bubbling sound. If it is the latter, this would require calling in a heating professional.

Kettling repair can cost an estimate of £75-£300.

Expert Commentary:

“If you do hear a peculiar sound coming from your boiler, it’s always good to call a professional either way just to double-check. Low pressure in your boiler usually just requires topping up.”

These sounds as well as more sounds and information on other potential issues such as creaky floorboards, electrical buzzing, dripping taps and whistling windows can be found here: https://www.toolstation.com/content/things-that-go-bump-in-the-night