When should I worry about house noises?

You should worry about house noises if they are accompanied by other physical symptoms: visible cracks in drywall, doors that refuse to close, smells of gas or burning, or wet spots on ceilings.

Who do I call for loud popping noises?

If the popping comes from your vents, call an HVAC technician. If the popping is loud and comes from the walls/foundation accompanied by cracks, call a Structural Engineer.

House Burping: When to Worry and Call a Professional

We have established on our homepage that houses are noisy creatures. Most of the time, these sounds are benign conversations between wood, metal, and air. But sometimes, a house "burp" is actually a scream for help.

Knowing when to call an expert for house noises can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. If DIY fixes and patience haven't stopped the noise, you need to assess the risk level. This guide distinguishes between "annoying" and "dangerous."

Top 5 Warning Signs (When to Worry)

If your house is making noises and showing any of these symptoms, it is no longer a normal house sound. It is a structural concern.

The "Gunshot" + Cracks: A loud bang is common. A loud bang that leaves a jagged crack in your drywall or causes a door to stick in its frame is a sign of rapid, potentially dangerous foundation shifting.
The Hiss + Smell (Gas): If you hear a hissing or "burping" sound near a utility line and smell rotten eggs, leave the house immediately. This is a gas leak.
The Sizzle (Electrical): A buzzing or sizzling sound behind a wall, often accompanied by a fishy or burning plastic smell, indicates arcing wires. This is a fire hazard.
The Wet Thud: If you hear a dull thud or dripping sound in a ceiling, followed by a stain appearing, you have an active plumbing leak or roof failure.
The Scrabble (Pests): Scratching, scampering, or chewing sounds are not thermal expansion. You have termites, mice, or squirrels compromising your home's structure.

Who to Call: A Routing Guide

"House burping" is vague. To get the right help, you need to match the sound to the correct trade.

For "Burping" & Gurgling

The Pro: Licensed Plumber.

Why: The issue is likely a blocked vent stack, a clogged main sewer line, or failing traps. This requires snakes and cameras that DIY tools can't match.

For "Popping" & Banging

The Pro: HVAC Technician.

Why: If the sound syncs with your heat turning on, it's ductwork. A pro can install flexible transitions or resize ducts to stop the HVAC inspection failures.

For "Creaking" & Cracking

The Pro: Structural Engineer.

Why: If the floors slope or the cracks are wider than 1/8th of an inch, you need a structural assessment, not just a handyman.

Need a Pro?

Don't let a small noise become a big disaster. Connect with local experts.