Quick Answer:
If you hear ticking noises at night, it’s often pipe movement from temperature changes or a heating cycle rather than a shifting foundation. Do a few simple checks yourself: run hot water then stop and listen for cooling ticks, press lightly on a nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement, and note whether the sound fades gradually or stays a sharp click. If the noise travels through finished walls or ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path and verify safe support points so nothing is left unsupported inside cavities.
Why This Happens
Pipes and related materials expand and contract as temperatures change. A heater running, a hot-water draw or nighttime cooling can make metal and plastic pipes rub against framing, hangers or drywall edges. Loose or marginal supports allow small shifts that sound loud inside quiet rooms at night. Sometimes the source is a nearby system cycling — for example, the water heater or forced-air equipment waking and then settling.
For variations on this, homeowners often read about Thermal expansion ticking after heater runs and about Ticking only on cold days.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Listen and locate
- Wait until the house is quiet at night so the sound is easier to place.
- Move around the room and try to localize whether the sound comes from a wall, ceiling or floor.
2. Run hot water, then stop and listen
- Open a hot-water tap for a minute, then shut it off. Pay attention right after the water stops — cooling pipes commonly produce ticks.
3. Press lightly on nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement
- Put a flat palm on the suspicious area and press gently while the sound occurs to see if you feel any vibration or movement through the finish.
4. Note how the sound behaves
- Listen to whether the sound fades gradually (typical for cooling/thermal contraction) or stays sharp and abrupt (can indicate a loose bracket or hard contact point).
5. Inspect accessible piping and supports
- In unfinished areas like basements or attics, look for loose straps, missing insulation where pipes meet framing, or metal contacting wood.
- Minor adjustments to hangers or adding appropriate insulation can often quiet things if you can reach the pipe safely.
6. Confirm before you close walls
- If the sound seems to come from inside finished walls or a finished ceiling, stop. Have a plumber trace the pipe path and confirm where supports should be added before any cutting or filling is done.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims into cavities or spray foam blindly into voids to stop ticking — that can misalign pipes, make future repairs harder, or transmit heat differently.
- If the ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first rather than poking holes or poking around blindly.
- Don’t try to force or bend pipes to stop a noise; improper handling can stress joints and fittings.
When to Call a Professional
- If the sound continues despite basic checks, especially if it moves through finished walls or ceilings.
- If you see or smell moisture, stains, or corroded fittings when you inspect accessible piping.
- If the ticking is paired with banging, long pulses of water hammer, or any sign of loose supports that you can’t safely reach.
- If the location is near electrical runs or you aren’t sure which system is causing the noise — a plumber can trace pipes and recommend safe support fixes.
Safety Notes
- Never cut into a wall or ceiling until you are sure what is behind it. Hidden electrical or other systems can be present.
- Be cautious around hot pipes and heated surfaces; use gloves if you need to inspect while a system has been running.
- Avoid inserting tools or probes into cavities where you can’t see — this can damage wiring or insulation.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Is this dangerous? Usually not; most nighttime ticking is thermal movement. Call a plumber if you see leaks, corrosion, or persistent loud movement.
- Can I stop it with spray foam or shims? No — do not use rigid shims or spray foam blindly. Those fixes can cause other problems and hide issues.
- Does ticking mean a leak? Not by itself. Look for water stains, dampness, or drops; those signs indicate a leak and need immediate attention.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.