Scared my house is about to explode

[SoozleQ]

Hellllp.

Currently mid extension build - electrician and plumber came to do their first fixes on Thursday and Friday last week which basically means they've ripped a load pf stuff that wa there out e.g. sockets, radiators etc.

We went away for the night yesterday. When we got back this afternoon, I noticed a load banging or popping type noise happening maybe once a hour or so but had no idea what was causing it. Thought it might be something to do with the water pipes because the water has been a bit spluttery since they ripped out the kitchen. However, on e it got dark enough to have the lights on, it became apparent it must be electrical - all the lights flashed when it went bang. DP went into the ex-kitchen bit and moved anything remotely metal (unplugged washing machine and cooker) away from the removed sockets and random wires and that seemed to extend the periods between bangs but it's just gone pop again a couple of times and the lights flashed on o e of those occasions.

So now I am shitting myself.

I think we should turn the electricity off over night and call the builder in the morning. We have a fridge and freezer each full of food. How long will the frozen stuff will stay frozen in the freezer if we keep the door shut?

My house isn't about to burn down with us in it, is it?

Anyone have any ideas as to what's causing it? It's just done it again :(

I agree turn it all off and call builder first thing.

Freezer should be OK overnight,, just don't open the door.

Turn it off. I thought it sounded like air in the heating system untill you said the lights go.

Hopefully freezer will be fine, but really that could be the least of your worries - better safe than sorry.

Okay, there's just been a series of bangs so I sent DP in to investigate. One went off when he was in there and he saw a flash along a skirting board where a joiner had put up the framework for a new wall. So, possibly the joiner has caused some damage to the electrical circuit when nailing or screwing stuff together?

DP has turned off the electricity to the circuit with all the sockets on but left the lights running. Fingers crossed for no more bangs tonight and I'll be giving the builder a call in the morning.

I'm still scared

Oh dear. Sounds like your joiner has put a screw through one of the wires. Possibly an old one?

Normally that would blow a fuse on your board so bit of a worry that it didnt. Maybe look to get your fuseboard upgraded while the electrician is working on your place.

Oh no, think the old stuff probably is pretty old and unsafe. How much is it going to cost me to have stuff updated? Is it a full rewiring job and, if so, what does that entail? Destruction of decor in rooms? Or is it just a new fuse box? Arrggghhh, I should just have moved house.