Sound solutions

• If installing a new boiler, consider the noise impact on your neighbours as well as the legal distances from windows when siting it.
• Pipes and cisterns can be sources of knocking and banging noises - solutions to these are usually straightforward - requiring a plumber to adjust pressure or bleed air from the system.
• Ensure extractor fans are securely fitted to avoid rattle, and kept them clean so they run smoothly. Fans on internal toilets should not be switched off - but it may be possible to adjust running times. If really noisy, maintenance or replacement may be necessary.
• Avoid putting your refrigerator or freezer against a party wall - vibration from these can pass through the structure. Vibration can also pass through floors - if you live in a flat avoid placing your fridge above a neighbours bedroom.

More noise sources

There are other household appliances and mechanisms that can be sources of noise - if sited in the wrong place, poorly constructed or maintained. Banging or knocking pipes can be annoying for you and your neighbours if they run on ajoining walls/floors. Extractor fans are required in toilets with no windows, and many bathrooms have them too - they can sound particularly noisy at night.

• Boilers
• Pipes/Cisterns
• Extractor Fans/Refrigerators