Fix Those Annoying Sounds Around Your House

Life can be noisy. If your house is adding to the clatter, try these simple hacks to quiet the chaos.

• Clanging pipes can usually be quieted by lowering the water pressure.
• Rattling ceiling fans often result from loose blades. Tightening them can eliminate the noise.
• Creaky floors may result from loose nails in the floorboards and can often be fixed with screws or wood glue.
• Running toilets typically signal a worn flapper valve, which is readily available at most hardware stores.
• Squeaky doors are easily fixed by lubricating the hinges.
• Whistling windows can often be sealed with weather stripping.
• Shaking washers and dryers may be steadied by leveling them and adding silicone vibration-absorbing pads underneath the appliance.