Sticky Keys and Other Common Piano Problems in SF Homes

That moment of panic is familiar to many piano owners: you sit down to play, and a key stays down. Or maybe you hear a persistent, annoying "buzz" every time you play a certain note. The good news is that most of these common problems are easily diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician, especially here in San Francisco where humidity is a key factor.

Here are some of the most frequent issues we encounter in Bay Area homes.

Problem 1: Sticky or Sluggish Keys

The Symptoms

• A key is slow to come back up after being played.
• A key stays down completely.
• The key feels "spongy" or "heavy."

Common Causes

1. Humidity: This is the #1 cause in San Francisco. The wood and felt parts in the key and action absorb moisture from the foggy air, swell, and create friction.
2. Foreign Objects: A coin, paperclip, pencil, or small toy has fallen between the keys.
3. Spilled Liquids: A spilled drink can cause parts to swell, warp, or "gum up." This requires immediate attention.
4. Worn Parts: The felt bushings that line the key holes can become worn or tight over time.

The Solution

A technician will first diagnose the cause. If it's humidity, the key can often be "eased" by addressing the specific tight spot. If it's a foreign object, it can be carefully removed. Spills are more complex and require deep cleaning.

Problem 2: Buzzing, Rattling, or "Zinging" Sounds

The Symptoms

An unpleasant vibration or secondary sound accompanies a note, or all notes.

Common Causes

1. Things on the Piano: This is the first thing to check! A picture frame, a vase, a lamp, or even a caster cup vibrating against the floor can cause a buzz.
2. Loose Hardware: Screws on the piano's case, lid, or music desk can loosen over time.
3. Soundboard Issues: In rare cases, a loose rib or a crack in the soundboard can be the culprit.
4. Loose String Coils: The winding on a bass string may be separating.

The Solution

First, remove everything from the top of your piano and see if the buzz stops. If not, a technician will play "detective" to hunt down the source, tightening loose hardware or addressing the string or soundboard issue.

Problem 3: Pedals Squeak or Don't Work

The Symptoms

• The sustain pedal (on the right) doesn't hold the notes, or holds too few.
• A loud, unmistakable squeak happens every time you press a pedal.
• The pedal feels loose or "dead."

Common Causes

1. Adjustment Needed: The "trapwork" (the system of rods and levers connecting the pedals to the action) has slipped out of adjustment.
2. Dry Joints: The wooden or metal joints just need lubrication at their pivot points.
3. Worn Felt: Small felt and leather pads that cushion the mechanism are compressed or missing.

The Solution

This is almost always a straightforward fix. A technician can clean, lubricate, and adjust the pedal mechanism to be quiet and responsive again.

A Word of Warning: What Not to Do

• Never spray WD-40 or any other household lubricant into your piano. It will contaminate the felt and wood, causing far more damage.
• Don't try to fish out a stuck object with a knife or coat hanger. You can easily scratch the keys or damage a delicate action part.
• Don't use household furniture polish on the piano's finish.

Most piano problems seem scarier than they are. By calling a professional, you ensure a simple fix doesn't turn into a major, expensive repair.