Quick Answer:
A ticking noise tied to using hot water is most often metal or pipe supports moving as the pipe heats and cools. Small, sharp ticks can mean the pipe is rubbing a bracket; a slow fading tick usually comes from thermal expansion and contraction. If the noise travels through finished walls or ceilings, a plumber can verify safe support points so the pipe isn’t under stress.
Why This Happens
When hot water flows the pipe temperature changes quickly. Metal and plastic pipes expand and shift a little against framing, hangers or insulation. If a pipe rubs a wood stud or a hard clamp you get a clear ticking or clicking. Water traps, valves and elbows can also change position slightly as they warm and cool.
You might notice similar sounds in nearby areas such as Clicking in walls after shower, and you can also hear the same behavior when the flow stops: Ticking after water turned off. The exact tone and how long the sound continues give clues about whether the movement is small and harmless or caused by an unsecured support.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Reproduce and listen
Run hot water then stop and listen for cooling ticks. Try at the sink, shower or appliance that seems linked to the sound so you confirm the connection.
2. Feel for movement
Press lightly on nearby wall or ceiling to feel movement. Place your palm flat on the surface while the sound occurs to detect vibration or shifting that you can’t see.
3. Note sound behavior
Note whether the sound fades gradually or stays sharp. A gradual fade usually points to normal thermal contraction; a persistent, sharp tick suggests a part is catching on framing or a hard hanger.
4. Inspect accessible pipe runs
In basements, crawlspaces or unfinished attics look for loose straps, metal-to-wood contact, or missing insulation. Tighten or add cushioned hangers only where the pipe is exposed and you can see the problem clearly.
5. Try a temporary, safe cushion
If a visible bracket is the contact point, add a short piece of pipe insulation or foam tape between the pipe and the bracket as a temporary measure. Do not force the pipe into a new position or remove supports you don’t understand.
6. When noise comes through finished surfaces
If the noise spreads through finished walls or ceilings, a plumber can verify safe support points. They can trace the pipe route and address unsecured hangers without damaging finishes.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wedge rigid shims into cavities to stop the noise; that can stress the pipe or framing and make leaks more likely.
- Don’t spray foam blindly into wall or ceiling cavities to try to stop the sound; foam can lock a pipe under stress or hide future leaks.
- If ticking is near electrical runs or finished ceilings, have a plumber trace the pipe path first rather than poking holes yourself.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if the ticking is loud, persistent, or you can’t trace it to an exposed, fixable hanger. Also call a pro when the noise travels through finished walls or ceilings, if you see pipe movement that looks large, or if you find corrosion, leaking, or badly worn hangers. A plumber can locate support points and correct mounting without unnecessary damage.
Safety Notes
- Don’t cut into walls without knowing where electrical or other services run—there is an electric shock and fire risk.
- Turn off water and let pipes cool before working near hot lines to avoid scalds.
- If you suspect a leak or corrosion, stop using that fixture and call a professional; ticking plus moisture can indicate a developing failure.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Is ticking usually dangerous?
A: No—most ticking from hot water is harmless thermal movement, but persistent sharp ticks merit a check. - Q: Will insulation stop the noise?
A: Insulation or foam tape can reduce rubbing where you can access the pipe, but don’t add foam into hidden cavities. - Q: Can I tighten loose hangers myself?
A: Yes for accessible, visible hangers; leave hidden or complex situations to a plumber.
For more related articles, see the Ticking or Clicking Sounds During Water Use hub.