Forum Topic

Low hum

I live in Goldsmiths Close and have, for some time, noticed a low hum, particularly noticeable during the night when there is little other noise. Not particularly intrusive but noticeable. It's continual and sounds as though something is running, like an electrical appliance.

Nina Battleday ● 2683d10 Comments

A sound monitor that can display sound frequencies is needed. Many devices will produce audible mains frequency hum, with both 50Hz and 100Hz possible from power supplies, however you probably do not want to switch off the main breaker to see if it goes away. An old trick is to roll some paper to make a directional "ear trumpet" to see if you can locate it.

Christopher Bell ● 2659d

Christopher, just to say, thanks again for your input. Do you have any idea how we could measure the sound/ work out if it is the sewers?Thanks again

Cai Janie Rees ● 2661d

to my knowledge there are no electric car charging points near here, and in any case would they make a noise unless they were actually charging? The him i am complaining about seems to be non stop all day and night - could hear it earlier this afternoon when it was particularly quiet.I'll report it to Ealing

Nina Battleday ● 2680d

THanks so much Lisa - it does sound a bit like that... Worth a think for sure. Thanks so much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNHOLUEk8H8

Cai Janie Rees ● 2681d

There is no work on the skate park building site overnight or at weekends - and no machinery is left running unattended. So I would not doubt their assertions.Keep records of when you hear things and then you can compare with others doing the same.Ask neighbours if they here it and have them do the same.You might find that tracking which neighbours hear it most might lead you towards the source.

Paul Webster ● 2681d

Nina, just found this earlier on in the forum:If we both have a go at calling at least they might investigate? We are in the same area and I'm sure it's the same noise we can hear as they way you describe it is exactly what I can hear. I was considering looking up an acoustic engineer or something as well??Topic: Re:Pilling noise Posted by: Rosco WhiteDate/Time: 08/08/18 15:08:00Crossrail, (sorry, "Elizabethan Line") works?The problem is the Goods Rail Yard is not simply a Rail Yard, LBE has allowed industry to site there. Witness the Hanson Concrete Plant being built WITHOUT Planning Permission (really), only for LBE to "Grant" it retrospectively via a docile and whipped Labour controlled Planning "Committee."There are several firms operating out of the Rail Goods Yard and it can be difficult ascertaining who the Noise Nuisance perpetrator is.  Report on 0208 825 811              ANDeMail      pollutioncontrol@ealing.gov.ukALWAYS get a Reference Number, without one the Complaint is not registered, so the Complaint never existed!  ;-)

Cai Janie Rees ● 2681d

Although it's extremely annoying, I am SO pleased that someone else in the area has heard the same (ie it's not just me thinking I've heard something). Do you have any ideas how we could solve? It's really frustrating. Have a look at the other thread - perhaps we could join forces to investigate? I wondered if it was something to do with the Skate Park as it seemed to start around the time that they started that - have had a chat with the builders over there, but they have said it's unlikely to be them...

Cai Janie Rees ● 2681d

I replied to an old thread about this just this week! We are very near you and have the same!

Cai Janie Rees ● 2681d

Are there car charging points close to your home?  There was a report on BBC London recently about this.

Lena Armstrong ● 2682d

Any slight disturbance in the water running through a sewer will cause resonance at its natural frequency, which is likely to be a very low frequency. There are large sewers in your area, and you can stand in the road near the church in Friars Place Lane and hear lots of water running down the hill towards East Acton Lane. All sewers can sound like low frequency organ pipes, and low frequencies can easily travel through the ground.

Christopher Bell ● 2682d