Quick Answer:
A ticking or clicking behind a shower wall is usually plumbing parts moving as water heats and cools, or a valve/pipe clipping against framing. Do a few simple checks yourself — 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 noise spreads through finished walls, a plumber can verify safe support points and trace the cause safely.
Why This Happens
Common causes are thermal expansion and contraction of metal pipes or plastic supply lines, loose pipe clips, a valve that isn’t seating cleanly, or air moving in the lines. Changes in water temperature cause pipes to grow or shrink slightly and rub against framing or backing. Sudden pressure changes or city system work can also make fittings click as pressure shifts. Homeowners sometimes notice patterns like Ticking only on cold days or after events like a pressure change — Ticking after city pressure change — that point to temperature or pressure as the trigger.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Recreate the noise and listen
- Run the shower at a warm setting for a minute or two, then shut it off.
- Stand quietly and listen for the cooling ticks. This test helps tell if the sound is from thermal contraction after hot water flow.
- Note whether the sound fades gradually as the pipes cool or stays a short, sharp click each time — that detail helps diagnose a loose clip versus a valve or hammer issue.
2. Press the nearby wall or ceiling
- Gently press on the tile, wall, or ceiling near where you hear the noise (do not push hard).
- Feel for any vibration or movement that matches the ticking. If you can feel movement, that suggests a loosely supported pipe or a component shifting against framing.
3. Check other fixtures and times
- Turn other hot and cold taps on and off, and note whether the noise appears elsewhere in the house.
- Record when it happens — only during showers, after long hot use, only in the morning, or after municipal work. That pattern narrows the cause.
4. Inspect accessible pipes and fittings
- If you have access panels, an attic or a basement under the shower, look for loose straps, worn insulation, or a valve that clicks when it seats.
- If the piping is behind finished walls and the sound seems to travel through rooms, consider hiring a plumber: a pro can locate the pipe run and verify safe support points without unnecessary openings.
5. Minor fixes you can safely try
- Tighten visible pipe straps or clamps with a screwdriver if they’re loose and reachable without cutting into finished walls.
- Replace worn foam pipe insulation in accessible areas to stop metal-on-wood contact. If the issue is inside a finished wall or near electrical runs, stop and call a pro to trace the path first.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims or spray foam blindly into cavities to stop a tick. That can block future access and create other problems, including trapping heat or moisture.
- Don’t cut into finished ceilings or walls without knowing where wiring and pipes run; if ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first.
- Don’t ignore sudden new noises accompanied by wet spots, stains, or higher water bills — those can indicate a leak or failing valve that needs immediate attention.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if the ticking continues after your checks, if it spreads through finished walls or ceilings, or if you can’t access the piping safely.
- Have a plumber trace the pipe path and verify safe support points when the noise is inside finished areas; they can secure pipes without damaging finishes and can test for water hammer or failing valves.
- Call immediately if you find moisture, corrosion, or any signs of a leak during your inspection.
Safety Notes
- Press lightly when testing walls or ceilings — don’t apply force that could damage tile or drywall.
- Avoid any electrical work. If you suspect the ticking is close to electrical cables, stop and get a professional to assess the combined risk.
- Do not use expanding foam or adhesives inside cavities near pipes or wiring. Those products can create long-term issues and complicate future repairs.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does it only click after I turn the water off?
Cooling and contraction after hot water use cause parts to move and make ticking noises. - Could this be a burst pipe?
Not usually; a burst pipe tends to leak, make continuous water sounds, or cause visible damage—call a plumber if you see moisture or stains. - Can I fix it myself?
If the noisy part and straps are accessible, minor tightening or replacing insulation may help; for anything inside finished walls or near wiring, hire a plumber.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.