Quick Answer:
If you hear ticking after you run hot water and the sound comes from inside walls or ceilings, it’s most often metal pipes or fittings contracting as they cool and rub against wood or hangers. That can sound like sharp ticks or faint creaks. If the noise carries through finished walls or ceilings and seems to move, a plumber can trace the pipe path and verify where it can be safely supported or isolated.
Why This Happens
Pipes change temperature quickly when you run hot water. As they cool they contract. That small movement can make pipes rub against framing, strapping, or nail heads, producing a ticking sound. In open spaces the noise is quiet and local; in finished rooms the sound can transmit through drywall or plaster and seem louder or to come from a different place. Other possible causes include loose hangers, slightly misaligned fittings, or pipes touching other materials at a point that amplifies the sound.
If the timing is consistent — for example only after long showers or in the middle of the night — homeowners often compare notes with articles like Clicking only at night and situations behind bathroom finishes with resources such as Clicking behind shower wall.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Reproduce the sound
- Run a basin, shower, or tub hot enough to warm the nearby pipes for a few minutes, then stop the flow.
- Wait quietly and listen as the system cools. This reproduces the timing and character of the ticking.
Step 2 — Locate and feel the movement
- Move along the wall or ceiling where you hear the sound. Try to distinguish which floor, wall or fixture aligns with the noise.
- Press lightly on the nearby wall or ceiling surface while the ticks occur to see if you feel vibration or movement. Feeling movement helps confirm it’s a mechanical contraction, not an unrelated household noise.
Step 3 — Note how the sound behaves
- Pay attention to whether the sound fades gradually over several minutes (typical of cooling contraction) or stays sharp and frequent (which may indicate a loose support or contact point).
- Make notes on time of day, what fixtures were used, and whether the ticks happen after short or long runs of hot water.
Step 4 — Simple checks you can do
- Look in accessible spaces (basement, attic, under-sink) for visible pipe contact points or loose hangers.
- If you find a loose strap or hanger accessible and you are comfortable, you can tighten it slightly — do not force or bend the pipe.
- If the piping is behind finished walls and the noise is concerning, skip invasive fixes and consider calling a pro to trace and support the pipe properly.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims into cavities or force metal-to-wood contact — that can create new stress points and damage the pipe.
- Don’t spray foam blindly into wall cavities trying to deaden the sound; uncontrolled foam can trap pipes against hot surfaces or hide leaks.
- If the ticking is close to electrical runs or under finished ceilings, don’t cut or open walls without a professional; have a plumber trace the pipe path first so any work is safe and effective.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if the sound comes from inside finished walls or ceilings and you cannot locate an accessible support point.
- Call if the ticking is loud, sudden, or accompanied by visible movement, leaks, or if pipe attachments look corroded or broken.
- Also call a pro before drilling, cutting, or using foam in enclosed spaces — a plumber can trace pipes and recommend safe fixes or isolation clips.
Safety Notes
- Never assume a wall cavity is free of electrical wiring. Avoid cutting into ceilings or walls until a professional has confirmed pipe and electrical locations.
- If you work in tight spaces, shut off water to the fixture before attempting adjustments and follow basic lockout/tagout for hot-water heaters.
- Avoid temporary fixes that bite into or deform the pipe. Proper supports or foam isolation installed by a professional are safer than ad hoc shimming.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why is the ticking worse after long showers? Short answer: the pipe heats and expands more during long runs, so the contraction when it cools is larger and the ticks are louder.
- Can I stop it by tightening a hanger myself? Short answer: Only if the hanger is easily accessible and you are confident — tighten gently and don’t bend the pipe. Otherwise call a plumber.
- Could ticking mean a leak or burst pipe? Short answer: Not usually. Ticking from cooling is mainly mechanical. But if you see moisture, stains, or sudden movement, get a professional inspection right away.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.