Clicking under floorboards

Plumbing pipes making ticking or clicking noises

Quick Answer:

Most of the time a ticking or clicking under floorboards is caused by metal pipes expanding and contracting as they heat and cool, or by a loose fastener rubbing wood. Do a few simple checks (run hot water and listen as it cools, press the nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement, note how the sound changes). If the noise travels into finished walls or ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path and verify safe support points.

Why This Happens

Water in metal pipes changes temperature quickly when you run hot water. As the pipe heats it expands; when the water stops and the pipe cools it contracts. That movement can make a sharp pop or repeated ticking when the pipe shifts against framing, brackets, nails or a tight hole in a floorboard. Vibrations can carry through joists and into finished walls or ceilings, which makes the sound seem to come from several places.

If you recently made plumbing changes or installed equipment, you may also want to check related topics like Ticking after expansion tank install or situations where heat and cooling are the trigger, such as Ticking noise as pipes cool down.

Step-by-Step What to Do

Step 1 — Run hot water, stop, then listen

  • Open a hot faucet (bath or kitchen) for a couple of minutes so hot water fills the nearby pipes.
  • Turn the water off and wait quietly. Listen for ticking as the pipes cool — this confirms thermal contraction as a likely cause.

Step 2 — Press lightly on nearby wall or ceiling

  • With your palm, press the wall or ceiling near where you hear the sound. Feel for tiny movements or vibrations timed with the ticks.
  • If you feel movement, the sound is being transmitted by structure and likely comes from plumbing or a loose fastener rather than insects or floorboards alone.

Step 3 — Note how the sound changes

  • Pay attention to whether the ticking fades gradually as things cool, or stays sharp and repetitive.
  • A gradual fade points to normal thermal behavior. A sharp, steady click may point to a loose nail, strap, or bracket that needs securing.

Step 4 — Inspect accessible spaces carefully

  • Check the basement or crawlspace under the area if you have safe access. Look for loose pipe straps, nails, or rubbing against framing.
  • Do not cut into finished walls to look for piping; instead, use existing access panels or have a pro trace pipe routes.

Step 5 — Monitor and document

  • Keep a short log of when the noise occurs (after showers, when heating runs, time of day). That helps a plumber diagnose the cause faster.
  • If you detect any moisture, stains, or active leaks, stop and call a professional right away.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t wedge rigid shims into cavities or between pipes and framing; that can create new stress points or damage pipes.
  • Don’t spray foam blindly into wall or ceiling cavities hoping to stop the sound — foam can trap pipes, hide leaks, and cause future problems.
  • If ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first rather than poking or cutting into finishes.

When to Call a Professional

  • Call a plumber if the noise spreads into finished walls or ceilings so they can trace pipe runs and verify safe support points.
  • Contact a plumber immediately if you see water stains, active leaks, or any sign that a pipe is rubbing through material.
  • If the ticking is persistent and you cannot locate the source with safe, noninvasive checks, schedule a professional inspection.

Safety Notes

  • If you find a leak, shut off the water to that fixture or the house main if needed and call a plumber.
  • Avoid cutting into walls or ceilings without a clear plan; you can hit plumbing or electrical lines. Have a professional trace the path first.
  • Do not use adhesive foam or hard packing to silence noises without knowing the cause — that can hide leaks and create hazards.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Is the ticking dangerous?
    Usually not; often it’s thermal movement. But if it accompanies leaks or spreads into finished walls, get a professional to check.
  • Can I fix it myself?
    Sometimes—if you can safely access loose straps or nails in an unfinished space, you can re-secure them. For finished walls or uncertain cases, call a plumber.
  • How long will it last?
    It may stop after pipes settle or insulation and straps are adjusted; this can take days to weeks. Persistent or worsening noise should be inspected.

For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.

More posts