noise

I have a loud noise which happens sporatically throughout the day and night. It is located in the pipes under the kitchen area of my ranch home ( there is a finished bathroom in the basement in this area). The noise starts out quietly and builds in intensity and volume, lasting 15 to 30 seconds. It sounds something like a diesel semi-truck engine. The hot water heater is not running when the noise occurs nor is it in the area of the noise. HELP!!