Why does my house make popping noises?

Popping noises are primarily caused by thermal expansion. As building materials like wood and metal heat up and cool down, they expand and contract at different rates, creating friction that releases as a 'pop'.

What causes burping sounds in pipes?

Burping sounds in pipes are often caused by air trapped in the water lines or improper venting in the drain system, causing sewer gases to bubble up through traps.

Top Causes of House Burping and Popping Noises

To stop the noise, you first have to understand the source. As mentioned on our homepage, a house is not a solid, immovable object. It is a dynamic system comprising thousands of parts held together by nails, screws, and glue.

When you ask "Why does my house pop?", the answer is usually found in basic physics: Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics. Below, we break down the specific mechanical reasons your home acts like a living thing.

Top 5 Reasons Your House Makes Noises

While there are many minor sources of noise, these five culprits account for the majority of complaints regarding house burping and floor squeaks.

Thermal Expansion (The #1 Cause):
Building materials expand in heat and contract in cold. Wood siding, roof trusses, and window frames slide past one another as they change size. When friction holds them back, energy builds up until it releases with a loud POP.
HVAC Duct "Oil-Canning":
Metal ducts are thin. When the furnace kicks on, pressure changes instantly. The metal walls of the duct can pop in or out (like an old oil can), creating a metallic boom. Read more in HVAC & Plumbing Sounds.
Pipe Air Pressure (The "Burp"):
Water flows smoothly, but air does not. If air enters your water supply or drain vents are blocked, bubbles force their way through water traps, creating a distinct gurgling or burping sound.
New Construction Settling:
New lumber contains moisture. As it dries over the first few years, it shrinks and twists. This pulls on nails and screws, causing loud cracking sounds. See New vs. Old Homes.
Foundation Shift:
Soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement puts stress on your concrete slab or basement walls, sometimes resulting in deep, low-frequency groans.

How It Works: The Mechanics of Noise

Wood Expansion vs. Contraction

Diagram showing wood expanding in heat and contracting in cold — Daily temperature cycles cause wood trusses to expand and contract, creating friction noises.

Imagine your attic trusses. In the summer, the attic can reach 150°F. The wood expands. At night, it cools to 70°F. The wood shrinks. This daily cycle loosens fasteners and rubs joints together. This is why wood expansion is the leading cause of roof noises.

The "Water Hammer" Effect

Illustration of shockwaves in a pipe caused by water hammer — When a valve closes quickly, the stopping water sends a shockwave back through the pipe, causing a loud bang.

If you hear a loud bang when a washing machine or toilet shuts off, this is "Water Hammer." Fast-moving water is suddenly stopped, sending a shockwave back through the pipe which slams against the framing of the house.

Is it getting worse?

If the sounds are accompanied by sticking doors or cracks in the drywall, consult our guide on Is House Burping Normal? to rule out structural damage.

How to Fix These Sounds