If you’ve been noticing a vibrating noise in wall, it’s important not to ignore the issue. While you may be able to tune it out over time, there are a few issues that could be causing an intermittent buzzing sound in houses, some of which can be serious. We’ll list a few reasons why you might be hearing a humming noise in walls at night to help make you better prepared to deal with the issue. Never attempt to resolve an electrical or plumbing issue on your own, unless you have the skill, tools, and experience necessary. Contact CroppMetcalfe if you need a professional for the job.

5 Possibilities for Hearing a Vibrating Noise in Wall

1. Bad Electrical Outlet or Light Switch

An intermittent buzzing sound in house could be due to loose or insecure wiring to your wall outlets or light switches. If one of your wall outlets wasn’t properly installed, has come loose, or is simply old, it can result in a buzzing sound in your wall. If the screws fastening the wires to your outlets or light switches are coming loose, it can cause some vibrating noises.

Additionally, you may notice a humming noise in walls at night if your wall outlet is being forced to work harder than it was designed to. Electrical issues like these must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent any shocks, sparks, or electrical failures.

2. High Air Pressure

If you’re hearing a humming noise in walls at night, it could be due to a half-opened vent. If your air pressure is on high and you have a vent that isn’t fully open, it can cause irritating vibrating noises. This is a harmless issue that can be resolved by lowering your air pressure or fully opening your vent.

3. Water Hammer Effect

This effect explains what happens in your home’s piping when the water hits against a valve that shuts off quickly. For example, in residential homes, it’s normal for toilet valves and faucets to be turned on quickly and shut off quickly. This causes a vibrating noise inside your walls as the water slams against the closed valve. While this isn’t necessarily a problem, the sound can get annoying. You can have a professional plumber install a water hammer arrestor on your pipes to reduce the water-slamming noise.

4. Humming Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs and fixtures are known to make humming, buzzing, or vibrating noises. If this is the culprit behind the vibrating noise in your walls, then you can upgrade your light fixtures to LED bulbs.

5. Pest Infestation

If you hear a buzzing sound in your home, check for any signs of pests or bugs, such as bees or wasps that may have found a home inside your walls. If you end up spotting a bee or wasp infestation, it’s important to call a professional pest control service to resolve the issue so you protect yourself, your home, and any bees.

Don’t Live with a Humming Noise in Walls at Night

If you can’t pinpoint the cause of a humming noise in your walls—or if you have found it and want the issue repaired—call CroppMetcalfe to handle the job. We offer expert electrical, plumbing, and pest control services to help keep your home functioning in the best way possible.