Have you ever noticed the lights flickering, or hear strange noises in your basement, attic, or between the walls? Or perhaps you get an occasional whiff of a less-than-pleasant odor but you’re not sure from where.
Well don’t call the Ghostbusters just yet. Chances are your home is just trying to tell you that something isn’t quite right. Here are some common home maintenance warning signs that you should not ignore.
- Musty smells in the basement or attic could mean that moisture is getting into your home, which not only can result in mildew and mold growth, but costly structural damage over time.
- A knocking sound when water is turned off is commonly referred to as a “water hammer”. It results when water pressure in the plumbing system suddenly increases without a sufficient outlet. A licensed plumber can listen to your pipes, locate the problem, and recommend the best course of action.
- The windows and doors are closed, but you still feel a mysterious breeze. Well, you could simply have drafty windows or doors, or air may be seeping in along the foundation and the area needs to be sealed.
- At the start of heating season, it’s common to notice a dusty or musty smell the first time the heat is turned on. No need to worry about that, but if you inhale a chemical or electrical odor, turn off the furnace at the thermostat and contact a qualified HVAC professional before operating it again. If you notice a “rotten egg” smell, this could indicate a gas leak. Open doors and windows, evacuate the home, and call 911 immediately, followed by a call to your gas company.
For these and many other home maintenance warning signs, Burton offers professional diagnosis plus prompt and dependable solutions. Contact us today or any time for all your home plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality needs.
