Quick Answer:
A ticking noise that starts when water use stops is most often the sound of hot pipes cooling and contracting, or pipes rubbing lightly against framing as temperatures change. If the noise travels through finished walls or ceilings, it’s reasonable to worry that pipes are shifting; in that case a plumber can trace the runs and verify safe support points before you take any permanent steps.
Why This Happens
- Hot water heats pipes and nearby framing. When the flow stops the metal cools and shrinks; that contraction can click or tick against wood or hangers.
- Loose hangers, brackets, or insulation gaps let the pipe move enough to make noise as it settles.
- Near the water heater, valves and fittings can make similar noises as water cools and pressure equalizes.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Recreate the sound
- Run hot water from a faucet for a minute, then shut it off and listen carefully where you first heard the noise. This confirms the ticks are tied to cooling pipes.
- Note whether the clicks start immediately or a minute after you stop the flow.
2. Press and feel
- Press lightly on the nearby wall or ceiling surface while the ticking is happening to see if you can feel movement. A gentle touch can tell you whether the sound is surface vibration or coming from deeper framing.
- If you feel a distinct movement, try to localize which direction—along a run or at a single point.
3. Judge the sound character
- Note whether the sound fades gradually as the pipe cools (typical of thermal contraction) or stays sharp and regular (may indicate rubbing or a loose support).
- Keep a simple log of when the noise happens—time of day, which faucet was used, and whether it follows hot-only use.
4. Inspect accessible piping
- Where pipes are visible in basements, crawl spaces, or utility rooms, look for loose straps, missing insulation, or metal-on-wood contact.
- If the tick seems centered near the heater or a valve, compare the timing with the heater cooling cycle.
If the source looks like it’s in a finished ceiling, or you can’t safely access the run, stop and get a professional to trace and check supports rather than cutting into finishes yourself. For related patterns see Ticking in ceiling after hot water use and for equipment-area checks see Clicking noise near water heater.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims or spray foam blindly into cavities; that can trap pipes in a harmful position or damage insulation and wiring.
- Don’t assume the noise is only cosmetic if it appears near electrical runs or finished ceilings—have a plumber trace the pipe path first.
- Don’t try to cut into ceilings or walls without confirming the exact pipe location and shutting off water where appropriate.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if the ticking spreads through finished walls or ceilings so they can trace the line, confirm safe support points, and suggest corrections without damaging finishes.
- Call if the sound is accompanied by leaking, visible movement of fittings, or changes in water pressure—those can indicate a loose joint or failing hanger that needs repair.
- If ticks seem tied to the water heater or plumbing fixtures and you can’t safely access the area, a technician can inspect the heater, valves, and nearby piping.
Safety Notes
- If you must access a crawl space or attic, use proper lighting and wear eye and hand protection.
- Turn off power to nearby circuits before probing near electrical runs; if in doubt, call an electrician first.
- If you find a leak while checking, shut off the water main to limit damage and call a plumber.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Is this dangerous? Usually not—most ticking from cooling pipes is harmless. If you see leaks or loose fittings, get it checked.
- Will insulation stop the noise? Sometimes adding loose insulation or soft pipe wrap reduces rubbing, but don’t use rigid shims or spray foam without professional advice.
- Will it go away on its own? Often the noise lessens as systems and hangers settle, but persistent or sharp ticks should be inspected to avoid long-term wear.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.