What is the creaking noise in my kitchen?

Question

There is a weird noise, about 1 second, like a juddering, creaking noise that I can't place. It has no relation to when I use my taps or when the heating comes on. It seems to happen at random and it seems to come from the kitchen area. I live in an end terrace with an alleyway running down the side.

Could it be next door when they turn taps on?

Answer 1

When the ref goes into defrost it will make funny noises and it happens three times a day.

Answer 2

That's exactly what it sounds like.