Quick Answer:
If you hear a ticking noise after a recent repipe, it is often normal thermal movement as new pipes heat and cool, or a pipe rubbing against a framing member. The sound can travel through studs and finished surfaces, which makes it seem like the pipes are shifting. If the noise carries through finished walls or ceilings, a plumber can check that pipes have safe support points and are not under stress.
Why This Happens
- New copper or PEX expands and contracts more noticeably than older, settled plumbing. Rapid temperature changes — for example, running hot water and stopping — cause short, sharp ticks as the metal or plastic changes size.
- Pipes that are close to framing, blocking, or ductwork can contact wood or metal when they move. Those contact points create ticking as parts hit each other during expansion or settling.
- Sound travels well through studs, joists and drywall, so a concentrated tick at the pipe can be heard across a room or along finished surfaces.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Reproduce and listen
Run hot water from a nearby faucet for a minute, then shut it off. Stand where you hear the ticking and listen quietly while the pipes cool — many thermal ticks occur only when the pipe temperature changes quickly.
Step 2 — Press lightly where you hear the noise
Use the pads of your fingers to press gently on the nearby wall, ceiling or floor surface where the sound seems loudest. You may feel a tiny vibration or movement if a pipe is rubbing or shifting against framing. Avoid pressing hard enough to damage finishes.
Step 3 — Note how the sound behaves
- Does the sound fade gradually as the pipe cools, or does it keep producing sharp, regular ticks?
- Gradual fading usually points to thermal contraction; steady, sharp ticks suggest rubbing against a fixed object.
Step 4 — Narrow the location
Walk around and listen from different rooms and levels. If the ticking seems to follow a run, try to map its path roughly by where the noise is loudest. If the sound appears underfoot or directly under a specific area of flooring, it may be transferring through the structure.
Step 5 — Record details and decide next steps
- Write down when the noise occurs (after hot water, only at certain fixtures, continuously overnight, etc.).
- If the ticks are minor, fade with cooling, and there are no leaks, you can monitor for a few days. If the noise is loud, constant, or accompanied by new moisture or visible movement, call a pro.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims into wall cavities in an attempt to “stop” the tick without finding what’s contacting the pipe; that can create stress points and stress the pipe or fittings.
- Don’t spray foam blindly into cavities to silence a noise — spray foam can trap pipes against framing or create access problems later.
- If the ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, don’t try to chase or drill blindly through those surfaces — have a plumber trace the pipe path first so work is done safely and without harming wiring or finishes.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of the following:
- The ticking is loud, increasing, or does not fade after several heating/cooling cycles.
- There are signs of a leak, water stains, or active dripping near where the sound is loudest.
- The noise spreads through finished walls or ceilings and you want the pipe path and support points verified so the plumber can secure the run without damaging finishes.
A plumber can trace the run, locate the exact contact points, and install appropriate supports or insulation without stressing the line.
Safety Notes
- If you open walls or ceilings to investigate, shut off water to the affected supply first and be cautious around electrical wiring.
- Do not cut structural members or plasterboard without confirming pipe and cable locations; use a professional if unsure.
- Avoid using heat or flame near pipes or finishes. Hire a licensed plumber for any work that requires opening finished surfaces or repositioning pipes.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Will the ticking stop on its own? Often yes — many thermal ticks reduce after several heating/cooling cycles as pipes settle into their supports.
- Could ticking mean a loose pipe hanger? Yes. A loose or missing hanger can allow rubbing; a plumber can locate and fix support points safely.
- Should I try to silence it with foam or filler? No — do not apply foam or fillers blindly; they can cause other problems and hide signs of leaks.
If the source seems to be the heater area, check the section on Clicking noise near water heater. If the sound is felt underfoot or under a finished floor, read about Clicking under floorboards.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.