Q: I have a question regarding a constant noise in my home. The noise is continuous like dripping water. The noise is in my bedroom. I have a fireplace on the first floor, and the bedroom is on the second floor.
I did some investigation — there is no wet ceiling, walls or floor where the noise appears to originate. Everything in my bedroom appears to be clean. I am a senior citizen and afraid of calling any handyman or a contractor to investigate the noise situation.
Harry Sharma
Wood Dale
A: A dripping sound can come from leaky pipes or water dripping around the flashing of a chimney, said David Callahan of Callahan & Peters Inc. in Glenview. Water could also drip from a clogged gutter into a downspout that is flush against the wall of the house. It’s possible for water to leak in pipes in the wall and show no sign of water near the noise, Callahan said. Instead, the water could run along interior walls and boards and emerge somewhere in the basement, he said.
A homeowner may want to call a remodeling contractor, Callahan said. Take note of when the sound is heard and what type of conditions exist such as rain or melting snow, he said. One source for finding a professional contractor is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in Des Plaines, he said. Homeowners can check with nari.org or call 800-611-6274 to request a listing of its contractors.
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Remodeling and repair questions? E-mail yourplace@tribune.com.
