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View Full Version : What's the problem with a loud humming sound that can be heard throughout my home?


Sunshyn
Jul 25, 2013, 02:38 PM
First, the clicking sounds can be heard simultaneously in the interior walls constantly, as well as a low humming but only in the bedroom wall that is on the same side of the house where that the gas & electric meters are located.

The heating & plumbing guy: (1) changed the rubber seal and bulb inside the toilet bowl, (2) installed a new bathroom faucet, (3) kitchen faucet washers, and (4) washing machine hoses (small pebbles came from underneath the washing machine rim. The furnace is off but twice (4/2012 & 4/2013) there was an explosive sound heard in the rooms above the furnace. Two gallons of water was drained from the water tank water - the PRV was leaking water, the valved released small pebbles and water. The PRV was replaced and still leaked so I hit it with a hammer and the leaking has stopped.

The electrician guy: (1) tightened some screws in the meter outside and that is when the constant humming started inside the house; and (2) tightened the circuits in the box inside the house. Now the clicks are louder especially at anytimes from 3a - 9a! The second electrician guy: (1) tightened screws in circuit box and look at outside meter. Says it may be the street light - not.

Finally,what a waste of time money! I am about ready to sleep in my car, somebody, anybody, help!

donf
Jul 25, 2013, 02:45 PM
Sometimes the meter base connections will weaken. These loose connections will then overheat and make a rapid clicking sound as they open and close.

Have the power company check the meter itself for burn marks or blackening. If they find them, the meter itself may have to be replaced but the meter base mounted to your home will have to be replaced.

Sunshyn
Jul 25, 2013, 03:19 PM
donf,

Thank you so much for your reply. So then after going round for round with the power company man, he said that he did not hear any noise from the outside meter. And that would be correct - he was reluctant to installed the new digital meter. I doubt that he checked anything else. After all, initially he just rode by my house and parked at the corner. So, I walked to his truck to find him eating lunch! So now I will call back again to request the meter base mount checked.

Also, that electrician guy did say that there was a fire inside the breaker box - there was a black circle in there that he pointed out to me. But he didn't replace it! He just tightened the circuit breakers and kept it moving.

I will be in touch. Thanks again.

stanfortyman
Jul 25, 2013, 04:12 PM
Nothing in what you describe would create a humming sound. Especially not something as mundane as tightening some screws.

I'm not sure what the reference to him eating lunch in his truck is all about. Sometimes field workers have to do that.

Also, there was no fire in the panel box. If there were it would leave it unusable, especially if all that was left was a black circle. I bet it was merely a short circuit that cleared and did not do any physical damage.

Gas meters do make a tiny bit of noise when gas is flowing. Electric meters do not.

Lastly, please lose the lavender text. It is hard on the eyes to read.