How to Fix Weird Buzzing Noise Behind Your Walls

If you're hearing a weird buzzing noise coming from behind your walls, it can be annoying and concerning. However, in most cases, the cause is fairly benign and the noise can be eliminated with some simple troubleshooting and repairs. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to track down and fix the source of bizarre buzzing sounds within your walls:

Inspect Electrical Sources

Strange buzzing noises often originate from electrical problems within walls. Here's how to investigate potential electrical causes:

Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring or Components

Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring can vibrate and create buzzing noises. Inspect connections on outlets, switches, light fixtures, and appliances. Look for corroded or loose terminals, damaged insulation, etc.
Malfunctioning electrical components like transformers, ballasts, or relays can produce buzzing if they are faulty. Turn off breakers to isolate the problem component.
Arcing from wires or devices with insufficient current can generate buzzing or crackling within walls. This is a potential fire hazard and should be addressed immediately by an electrician.

Determine if There's Electrical Overload

Overloaded circuits and wires strain electrical systems and produce buzzing. Notice if lights dim when devices turn on. Check for hot outlets or switch plates.
Have an electrician evaluate your electrical panel and circuits. Upgrading wiring or breaker panel may be needed if circuits are consistently overloaded.
Use a multimeter to check voltage levels at outlets. Low voltage under 110V can cause buzzing in outlets from excess strain.

Detect Mechanical Issues

Buzzing can also stem from mechanical problems within walls, ductwork, or piping. Here's how to find the root cause:

Inspect Water Pipes

Corroded, damaged, or unsecured water pipes can vibrate against framing causing buzzing. Feel along pipes to find the problem area.
High water pressure through pipes and plumbing can generate buzzing. Have a plumber check pressure levels and install a pressure reducer if needed.
Debris stuck in valves, showerheads, aerators, etc can obstruct water flow and induce buzzing. Disassemble and clean out fixtures.

Check Gas Pipes

Light gas flow through pipes can make them vibrate. Notice if buzzing is worse when appliances turn on/off. Have gas lines inspected for proper sizing.
Corroded or damaged gas pipes should be evaluated and replaced by a professional. Vibrations from escaping gas can cause buzzing.

Look for Issues with HVAC Ductwork

Kinks or crushing/flattening of ductwork that obstructs airflow can lead to annoying buzzing sounds from turbulence. Reroute or replace damaged ducts.
Loose sections or disconnects in ductwork can rattle or vibrate. Open sections and use metal tape to secure joints.
Excess dust on fan blades, condensing coils, or blower housings can throw off balance and induce buzzing during operation. Professionally clean HVAC components if needed.

Other Causes to Consider

If you’ve addressed all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical causes but the buzzing persists, here are some other possibilities to investigate:

Buzzing from electrical transformers mounted outside your house. Contact utility company if suspected.
Nearby equipment like pool pumps, AC condensing units, etc creating vibrations. Isolate with sound dampening blocks.
Pests like insects or rodents moving inside walls. Look for entry points to seal up. May need pest control.
Issues with nearby housing structures creating vibrations. Talk to neighbors to determine if they hear the buzzing too.

With some diligent troubleshooting and process of elimination, you should be able to isolate the culprit causing the annoying buzzing noise in your walls. Pay attention to when/where the buzzing occurs, thoroughly inspect electrical and mechanical systems, and consider noise transmission from outside sources. Taking the proper steps to address the underlying problem will lead to a quieter and more comfortable home environment.