Things that go bump in the night and what they could mean for your home insurance

Could that strange noise in your home be trying to tell you something?

Every home has its own soundtrack.

Radiators tick, pipes move as they warm up and floorboards can creak when temperatures change. After a while, you get used to the noises that belong to your house.

What deserves more attention is something new.

A bang that suddenly appears, scratching where you have never heard it before or a drip in a room where no tap is running can all be clues that something needs checking.

The sound itself will not always tell you what is wrong, so pay attention to when it happens and whether anything else has changed at the same time.

Pipes that knock or radiators that clank

Heating systems rarely operate in complete silence.

Pipes can expand and contract as they heat up and cool down, while radiators may click or tick as temperatures change.

A loud bang when you turn off a tap, persistent knocking from the pipework or an unfamiliar clatter from the boiler is worth investigating.

Try to work out exactly when the noise occurs.

Does it happen when one particular tap is used? Does it start as the heating comes on? Does the boiler pressure change at the same time?

It is also worth checking for other signs, including leaks, damp patches or rooms that are no longer heating properly.

There can be several causes of banging or clunking noises in heating systems, so the sound alone should not be treated as a diagnosis.

If the noise is new, persistent or becoming louder, contact a qualified plumber or heating engineer.

Scratching in the loft, walls or beneath the floor

Hearing movement above the ceiling at night can be unsettling.

Sometimes the explanation is straightforward, such as wind moving something outside. Repeated scratching, scurrying or gnawing sounds, however, may indicate pests.

Look for signs such as droppings, shredded material or gnaw marks, but avoid disturbing anything that could be unsafe.

Rats and mice can damage more than stored belongings.

They may also gnaw pipes and electrical cables, which can create additional risks.

The British Pest Control Association advises householders to check for damage where there are signs of an infestation.

That does not mean every scratch in the loft is a rodent or that hearing movement means there is an immediate fire risk. It simply gives you a reason to take a closer look.

Rattling or movement around the roof

Stormy weather can make almost any house sound different.

Branches can tap against walls, gutters may move and loose objects outside can create surprisingly loud bangs.

If a roof rattle repeatedly returns whenever the wind picks up, or starts after particularly bad weather, inspect the property from ground level once it is safe to do so.

Loose tiles, damaged slates and problems with flashing may allow water into the property.

Blocked or damaged gutters can also cause rainwater to run back towards walls and roof areas rather than draining away correctly.

Never climb onto a roof during bad weather to investigate.

Sometimes the first useful clue appears inside the property instead.

A new ceiling stain, damp insulation or water appearing where it should not be can all suggest that something above needs professional attention.

A dripping sound when nobody is using water

In a quiet house, a drip can be surprisingly easy to hear.

Start with the obvious places.

Check taps, visible pipework and the toilet cistern. If you cannot find a source and the noise seems to be coming from beneath a floor or inside a wall, look for other clues such as staining, dampness or a musty smell.

If you suspect a hidden leak, arrange for a plumber to investigate.

It is also worth knowing where your property's internal stop tap is located before an emergency happens.

Water UK recommends householders know how to isolate their water supply so it can be turned off quickly if a pipe leaks or bursts.

Buzzing or crackling from a plug or socket

Electrical noises should be taken more seriously.

If you hear buzzing or crackling from a plug, socket or electrical fitting, particularly if it also feels hot or shows signs of scorching, stop using it and arrange for a qualified electrician to inspect it.

Electrical Safety First identifies buzzing and crackling, repeated tripping, overheating and scorch marks as warning signs that should not simply be ignored.

This is one household noise where waiting to see whether it disappears is not a good approach.

A noise that sounds as though somebody is outside

Not every bump in the night comes from inside the house.

Wind can move bins, gates, garden furniture and anything else that has not been secured properly.

If a sound outside is unfamiliar, check doors and windows from somewhere safe.

If you believe somebody may be attempting to enter the property, do not go outside to investigate.

Switch on lights and contact the police if you feel threatened or believe a crime may be taking place.

When should you investigate a strange household noise?

One of the best questions to ask is whether the sound is normal for your home.

A familiar click from the heating that has happened for years, with no other warning signs, may be nothing unusual.

A new noise accompanied by water, heat, burning smells, visible damage or repeated movement deserves more attention.

The combination of symptoms is often more useful than the noise on its own.

Keeping on top of maintenance can also help prevent minor problems becoming much larger repairs.

Home insurance may provide cover for damage caused by certain sudden or unexpected events, but policies vary. Wear and tear, poor maintenance and problems that have developed gradually may not be covered.

So, if your home suddenly starts adding unfamiliar knocks, scratches or drips to its usual nighttime soundtrack, it is probably worth finding out what is making them.

Preferably before deciding it must be a ghost.

Happy Halloween!

Frequently asked questions

Why do pipes make knocking noises at night?

Pipes can make noises as they expand and contract with changes in temperature. Knocking can also be linked to water movement, taps being turned off or issues elsewhere in the plumbing or heating system. If the noise is new, persistent or accompanied by leaks, pressure changes or heating problems, arrange for a qualified professional to investigate.

Should I worry about scratching noises in the loft?

Occasional noises may have an innocent explanation, including movement outside the property. Repeated scratching, scuttling or gnawing can be associated with pests. Check for signs such as droppings, damaged materials or gnaw marks and seek professional pest-control advice if necessary.

What should I do if I hear dripping inside a wall?

First check visible taps, toilets and pipework. If you cannot locate the source and the sound appears to come from inside a wall or under the floor, particularly if there is staining, dampness or a musty smell, contact a plumber.

Is buzzing from an electrical socket dangerous?

It can indicate an electrical fault. Stop using a socket or plug that is buzzing or crackling, especially if it is hot, damaged or showing scorch marks, and arrange for a qualified electrician to inspect it.

Can strange household noises indicate a problem with the roof?

They can. Repeated rattling during windy weather may be caused by loose tiles, slates, flashing, gutters or nearby branches. Inspect only from a safe position at ground level and arrange professional help if you see signs of damage.

Will home insurance cover damage caused by a household fault?

It depends on the cause of the damage and the terms of the individual policy. Some sudden events may be covered, while wear and tear, poor maintenance and gradually developing problems may be excluded. Always check the terms and conditions of your policy.