Clicking that sounds like dripping

Quick Answer:

If you hear a ticking or clicking that sounds like dripping, it’s usually pipes cooling and shrinking after hot water runs or a nearby heater cycles off. Run a quick check yourself, and if the noise travels through finished walls or ceilings, have a plumber verify pipe supports before making repairs.

Why This Happens

Pipes expand when they get hot and contract as they cool. That movement can make brief, sharp ticks as metal rubs or snaps against brackets, framing, or insulation. In some homes the sound carries and echoes, so it can seem like it’s in a different room or inside a wall.

If you want more background reading, see Pipes tick when hot water runs and Thermal expansion ticking after heater runs.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Recreate the condition

• Run hot water for a minute at a sink or tub near where you hear the sound.
• Stop the water and stand quietly to listen as the pipes cool. This helps confirm the ticks come with cooling.

2. Check for movement

• Press lightly on the nearby wall or ceiling to feel for vibration or movement. Small shifts can indicate a pipe rubbing or a loose strap.

3. Note the sound character

• Pay attention to whether the sound fades gradually as the metal cools or stays sharp and intermittent. Gradual fading strongly suggests thermal contraction; sharp repeated ticks may mean a loose clip or bracket.

4. Inspect accessible pipes and supports

• Where pipes are visible (crawlspaces, basements, utility rooms) look for loose straps, worn insulation, or metal against wood. Tighten loose straps or add cushioned pipe clamps if you can do so safely.

What Not to Do

• Don’t wedge rigid shims into cavities to stop sounds — that can transfer stress and cause damage.
• Don’t spray foam blindly into wall or ceiling cavities to quiet the noise; foam can trap moisture and hide problems.
• If ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first rather than poking or cutting into the wall yourself.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if:

• The noise spreads through finished walls or ceilings and you can’t access the pipes — a plumber can trace the pipe path and verify safe support points.
• You find a loose support you can’t safely reach or if tightening it requires cutting into finished surfaces.
• The sounds are accompanied by leaks, water stains, or visible corrosion. Any sign of moisture means get help promptly.

Safety Notes

• Turn off water to fixtures before working on straps or clamps to avoid accidental flooding.
• Be cautious around electrical wiring in walls and ceilings. If the ticking is near electrical runs, stop and call a professional to avoid creating a hazard.
• Avoid using expanding foams or hard shims that can hide movement and make future repairs harder.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Q: Is this likely to cause a leak?
  A: Not usually — ticking from thermal movement is common and rarely causes leaks by itself.
• Q: Can I stop the noise permanently?
  A: Often yes by securing loose supports with cushioned clamps or adding insulation around the pipe where it contacts framing.
• Q: Should I worry if the sound is loud?
  A: Loud or sudden changes in noise deserve a closer look; have a plumber inspect if it’s louder than before or accompanied by other signs of trouble.