ticking water pipes

[MasterPlumbersKeymaster]

I live in a townhouse that is about 12 years old. About a year ago, I started hearing a ticking sound in the water pipes. This happens randomly. I sometimes can hear the sound when I shut off faucets or when the washer cuts off, but usually what happens is that the sound starts and will tick for 10 to 30 minutes with no break. I can hear the sound in the basement where my hot water heater is. The city has come to check my water pressure and backflow. A plumber has come and replaced toilet floats. Any advice? I am worried this will be a problem when I try to sell the house.

Thanks and apologies for any cross-postings.

Barbara Barnett
[email protected]

[Monty BettsParticipant]

Barbara,
The ticking may be caused by the thermal expansion of the hot water piping. I don’t know what kind of piping the contractor installed in your home. If the piping was installed through holes in your floor joists that were not drilled much larger than the outside diameter of the piping or hung tightly against floor joists with no allowance of movement a ticking sound can occur while the piping is heating up during use and after use while cooling down.

Monty

[GuestParticipant]

You’ll find that its the hot water pipe. Under extreme conditions the pipe might be rubbing a hole in itself. If possible try to locate the pipe and then have somebody turn on a tap so you can try and locate the exact position and maybe repair the problem

[Author]

Posts