What is the source of the pulsating/vibration noise in my flat?

[Dean072]

Hello,

I live in a house converted into two flats - I'm in the upstairs flat. For several months now I have been hearing a pulsating/vibration sound throughout my entire flat. It often starts after midnight and continues to late morning or early afternoon and sometimes it is loud enough to stop me from sleeping. However, I don't hear it every night.

It seems to be coming from the roof or up through the walls and sounds electrical.

Any ideas what might be causing the noise?

 

[pc1966]

My partner doesn't hear it, but he's been playing trumpet his entire life and has lost some hearing. I only hear it on our property. I didn't hear it at our previous house or anywhere else, including in our RV that we camped in for several months.

If you can get a friend or family member with good hearing to stay over at some point and confirm it really is present you should.

I really, REALLY hope it is not a hearing or health problem, but make sure you eliminate that cheaply before spending a lot on chasing any non-existent external electric/plumbing problem.

 

[Maji236]

Thank you for your response...good suggestions!

No...super quiet neighborhood. No trains or city noises at all. Hadn't thought about the idea of something coming from the ground, like a water or sewer pump. We're on city water and sewer.

My partner doesn't hear it, but he's been playing trumpet his entire life and has lost some hearing. I only hear it on our property. I didn't hear it at our previous house or anywhere else, including in our RV that we camped in for several months.

We have an electrician coming out on Friday. Hopefully he'll be able to run some tests with a multimeter, and try shutting off the breakers one at a time. I would do this, but this house has an old Federal Pacific panel that had been recalled years ago before the company went out of business. I'm afraid to touch the thing! We're going to upgrade the panel soon to a higher amp. Hopefully that won't make the problem worse!

Thanks again for your suggestions.

YES! Have the electrician change that panel out!

My suggestion is to have your husband play louder. That way you'll eventually stop noticing as well.
Just a thought... ?

Hopefully your sparky finds it...

 

[7029 dave]

Flue terminal can make a vibrating noise if lose.

 

[FatAlan]

and for those who haven't seen one, here is a ball clock:

View attachment 61660

Don’t be a clock Tel, we all know what he meant ! ? ??

 

[ClaireColo]

Also check heating/ventilation equipment if you have ducted forced air heating etc.

We have ducted forced air heat, and the noises it makes (expansion/contraction of metal ducts, gas coming on, fan going on and off, etc.), are distinct from this noise, which is 24/7, and is kind of pulsating.

 

[static zap]

Low frequency hums , do seem to concentrate in certain locations in some rooms . (probably an interference pattern )
I hear one similar to Knobbly tyres on motorways , old propeller planes.
(With a finger in either ear -I still hear hum .. Finger in both ears.. I just hear My ..11kHz tinnitus)
I had wondered if it was
a) City noise pollution... probably
b) Being on a flight path.

similar pitch to the 10.125 KHz line whistle produced by 405 line TVs

(@freddo ..me too 11-12kHz -Too much angle grinding )

 

[Pete999]

Not left something switched on in the drawers have you?
'

 

[littlespark]

Electric toothbrush?