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noise in wall when water is running

Author: roamer (Non-US)

I have a two storey house that is about 11 years old. We only recently bought it and moved in so didn't know about this problem prior to the purchase. There are two bathrooms upstairs back to back. When any tap is turned on or the toilet is flushed upstairs, there is a ticking or tapping noise audible in one bathroom only, in a wall. What could be the problem and is there a straightforward solution?

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: jimmy-o (CA) Check to see if the noise is related only to HOT water running. A common noise is the expansion/contraction of pipes as the pipe heats up, and it rubs on a penetration through a joist or stud.

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: roamer (Non-US) Yes, the sound seems to come on when there's warm-hot water. Is there anything we can do about it, that's not going to cost a huge amount either?

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: hj If it is expansion noises, forget about any "inexpensive" correction, because you have to find the offending location first, (and there may be more than one). Then make the openings around the pipe larger without damaging the pipe, which is not easy since the pipe will still be in the hole. Finally, all the holes you made have to be patched and painted.

Re: noise in wall when water is running

Author: LemonPlumber (FL)

You might try running hot into a sink or tub with out draining it to see if the noise is related to the supply or drain expansion!Just narrowing the area of repair. The top plate of the wall is where many occur.Also ,if you are in a very cold area. The noise may subside as the weather warms.

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Good Luck. Insulate your hot piping, although costly, it will pay you back every day.

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: roamer (Non-US) The noise seems to happen more upon draining.

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: hj It has to either happen while the hot water is running, OR while draining, otherwise you have TWO problems.

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: roamer (Non-US) It happens upon water draining.

Re: noise in wall when water is running
Author: LemonPlumber (FL) there is a large drain pipe.that you must locate.where it passes through the wall to ceiling area is where you could try a 1/8"hole and spray silicone to correct.It works if the rub or bound point is lubricated. ---- Good Luck. Insulate your hot piping, although costly, it will pay you back every day.