Clicking in walls after shower

Plumbing pipes making ticking or clicking noises

Quick Answer:

A brief ticking after you run hot water is usually pipes expanding and then contracting as they cool. Do a few simple checks: run hot water then stop and listen for cooling ticks, press lightly on nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement, and note whether the sound fades gradually or stays sharp. If the ticking travels through finished walls or you suspect movement of pipe supports, have a plumber trace and verify safe support points.

Why This Happens

Metal and plastic pipes change size with temperature. When hot water runs, pipes warm and expand slightly; when the flow stops the material cools and shifts back. That shift can make short ticking or clicking noises where pipes touch framing, brackets, or wall materials. Pipes rubbing or sliding against framing, staples, or loose straps will make sharper ticks. If the noise comes through a finished ceiling or wall rather than a single point, it can mean the vibration is transmitting through structural members.

You may also find this explained in more depth under Ticking noise as pipes cool down and, if the sound is overhead, Ticking in ceiling after hot water use.

Step-by-Step What to Do

Step 1 — Reproduce and listen

  • Run the shower or a hot tap for a minute to warm the pipes.
  • Turn the water off and remain quiet. Listen carefully for ticking as the pipes cool; this is when most noises appear.
  • Note whether the sound fades gradually (typical of thermal contraction) or stays sharp and repetitive (may indicate rubbing or a loose fastener).

Step 2 — Localize the sound

  • Stand where you normally hear the noise and move closer to walls, cabinets, or the ceiling near the plumbing. The louder point often marks the nearest framing contact.
  • Press lightly on nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement while someone runs and stops the water. Feeling a vibration or movement helps confirm the location.

Step 3 — Inspect accessible areas

  • Check under sinks, in unfinished basements, or in attic access for visible pipe straps, staples, or insulation that might be rubbing.
  • Look for loose hangers or metal edges where a pipe could contact wood or drywall.

Step 4 — Make minor, safe adjustments

  • If you find a loose strap in an accessible area, tighten it so the pipe is held snug but not pinched. Use cushioned pipe supports or strap padding if needed.
  • On plastic pipe runs, allow a small amount of movement in clips to prevent hard contact during thermal movement.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t wedge rigid shims or spray foam blindly into cavities to stop the sound — that can trap pipes, prevent needed movement, or damage plumbing and insulation.
  • Don’t poke into walls or ceilings with sharp tools to find a noise; you could hit pipes, wiring, or framing.
  • If ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first rather than attempting invasive fixes yourself.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if:

  • The ticking continues after basic checks and local adjustments.
  • The noise spreads through finished walls or ceilings — a plumber can trace the pipe path and verify safe support points inside the wall framing.
  • You find evidence of movement that could stress joints, or if you suspect a loose hanger where access requires opening finished surfaces.

A plumber can also identify cases where re-routing, adding proper cushioned supports, or replacing damaged hangers is the best long-term solution.

Safety Notes

  • Turn off water at the fixture shutoff when inspecting around fittings to avoid accidental leaks.
  • If you suspect the noise is close to electrical wiring, stop and call a professional — mixing plumbing and electrical repairs can be dangerous.
  • Avoid making holes in finished surfaces without confirmation of what lies behind them; cutting drywall can expose wiring, pipes, or insulation and should be done carefully or by a pro.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Is this likely to cause a leak? No—thermal ticking itself usually does not cause leaks, but persistent rubbing or loose supports can wear fittings over time and should be checked.
  • Will adding insulation stop the noise? Sometimes; insulating pipes or adding cushioned supports can reduce contact noise, but don’t use expanding foam around pipes that need to move.
  • Can I fix this myself? Small, accessible adjustments (tightening straps, adding padding) are often DIY, but call a plumber if pipes are inside finished walls or near wiring.

For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.

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