Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. Not only does it signify the true start of Fall in Santa Rosa, it also allows us to let our minds have a little fun. With the spookiness of the season, it’s easy to see how almost 45% of Americans believe in ghosts and hauntings. Because of this, we’re here to tell you some of those knocks and moans around the house may not be ghosts, in fact, they might be your plumbing.
Unexplained Knocking
For those who dabble in the paranormal, unexplained knocking is usually an indicator of a lonely or bored soul looking to get your attention. We don’t want to burst your bubble, but a phantom knocking can be a something plumbers call “water hammer.”
This knocking sound happens when water gets into your plumbing’s air chamber. The air chamber is a pipe the regulates pressure and waves in the home’s main supply pipes. Additionally, knocking in your wall could mean your home has high water pressure or shaky pipes. Either way, if you want to say nevermore to the unnerving knocking, call a plumber, not a medium or ghost hunter.
Strange Water Bursts
Sometimes, when one faucet closes, another must open. For example, you flush the toilet and suddenly, a burst of water comes from the showerhead. Some believers might say this could be the work of a playful ghost, plumbers see something else.
Your home’s plumbing appliances can shut off very quickly. This sudden stop can cause a burst in water pressure; the pressurized water needs to go somewhere. Oftentimes. That somewhere is out another faucet or tap. High water pressure can put sever stress on your plumbing system, so it’s best to call a professional.
Distinct Moaning
Do you ever hear a moan or cry coming from your bathroom? Don’t worry, it’s not Moaning Myrtle or anything else from that side of literature, it’s actually your toilet. Home toilets are commonly fitted with ballcock valve. This valve is responsible for filling the tank after a flush. If the ballcock valve were to get too dirty, or too old, it can make a very distinct moaning noise.
HVAC Honorable Mentions
We would be doing you a disservice if we left out some common HVAC occurrences that can be mistaken for paranormal activity. If you encounter any of the sounds or experiences below, it’s best to bring in an HVAC expert.
Screaming – A squealing or screaming noise can come from a loose or misaligned belt in your furnace.
Scratching – When you hear a repetitive scratching sound, it could indicate debris or a broken part in your HVAC system.
Random Cold Spots – Many ghost hunters believe random cold spots indicate ghost activity. While we don’t want to debunk their theories, cold spots can come from broken or leaking ductwork.
Auditory Hallucinations – Perhaps the scariest thing on this list, auditory hallucinations can be brought on by carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms include visual hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and depression.
Don’t Call Ghost Busters, Call Moore Home Services
Hearing any unexplained noises coming from inside the walls? It’s time to leave the ghost hunting to our plumbing and HVAC experts. They can diagnose that noise and help restore peace and quiet to your home. If you live in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, or the North Bay, our friendly call center representatives are ready to help. Call the number at the top of the screen or click here to book an appointment online.
This knocking sound happens when water gets into your plumbing’s air chamber. The air chamber is a pipe the regulates pressure and waves in the home’s main supply pipes. Additionally, knocking in your wall could mean your home has high water pressure or shaky pipes. Either way, if you want to say nevermore to the unnerving knocking, call a plumber, not a medium or ghost hunter.
Your home’s plumbing appliances can shut off very quickly. This sudden stop can cause a burst in water pressure; the pressurized water needs to go somewhere. Oftentimes. That somewhere is out another faucet or tap. High water pressure can put sever stress on your plumbing system, so it’s best to call a professional.