Basement was replumbed with all new copper lines. "Where needed" its secured snuggly with 1/2 inch copper tube strap, the type with 2 screw holes on each side. (Cant post image at this time as "postimage.io" website is down)

I get moderately loud ticking and knocking sounds, right where the copper tube straps are installed, starting about 3 seconds after turning the hot water on, whether the faucet used is upstairs or in basement, The noise completely goes away after about 8-10 seconds of the hot water being on. The noise will only return when the pipes have completely cooled down ( about an hour or so later) and hot water is again turned on. I have turned the water temperature down on the heater to "hot" without any luck


The plumber and contractor said its just air in the lines and that the noise will go away once all the fixtures in basement have been connected and run, because the system will be fully pressured then. Well, everything has been installed for weeks now and I ran all the water lines at the same time to try and get all the air out but the noise still persists. The straps are screwed on tight to the wood. I asked about this and was told they have to be tight.

The ceiling is now closed up but could be opened to address this if in fact the issue is because of the strap installation.

My questions are,

1. given my description of the sounds and the fact that the noise disappears after about 8 seconds of hot water usage, what do you think the cause is?

2. Is there a risk of pipe damage/leak/rupture, if I leave the pipes alone and don't make any further attempts to bleed air or adjust/change pipe straps. If it is air, do I need to wait even longer (months?) for this sound to go away.

I need to make a decision soon on how to proceed because I want to move furniture back in.

I can email pics, video of the pipes if needed

Thank you very much for all your insights and help!

Is this an electric water heater? Tanked or on demand?

I am guessing it's the straps.

I would be tempted to turn the breakers to the WH off and let it cool off than use the fixtures with cooled water running through the hot pipes, if no sound it's the straps being stretched by pipe expansion.

Hi Sum!
Its a gas AO Smith tanked heater.

If it is the straps is there any risk of pipe damage/ leak? The nearest solder joint is a few feet away on one of the 2 strapped areas.

stand off tube talons... look em up. the work fine

Copper should not be strapped too tightly because it will expand and contract as it heats/cools. The pipes should be supported but also have room to "slip" in their supports. If you loosen the screws holding those straps a little and give the pipe some room to move laterally I'll bet the noises stop.

Thanks for the reply.
The problem is the ceilings have been closed up.

Is the ticking/knocking noise from expansion likely to cause pipe damage if left to continue long term?