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Lil Dude
Nov 18, 2008, 06:52 AM
Hello,

I have just bought my first home and have found that I need to make some repairs. I have never been a handyman, but given the money I have just spent I want to try in order to save money (assuming the repairs are not too difficult).

One my biggest problems involves our upstairs bathroom. Any time we use the tub we hear a loud banging or knocking in the wall under the tub for about an hour afterwards.

Any advice what could be causing this and how easy (or difficult) it might be to repair. Any advice would be most welcome.

Thank you in advance

speedball1
Nov 18, 2008, 06:55 AM
One my biggest problems involves our upstairs bathroom. Any time we use the tub we hear a loud banging or knocking in the wall under the tub for about an hour afterwards.
Any advice what could be causing this and how easy (or difficult) it might be to repair. Any advice would be most welcome.
Knocking, popping, creaking and crackling pipes are a common complaint, especially in colder weather. I can tell you what's happening and take the mystery out of it but you're not going to like the repair. When a draw is made on a hot water line the line expands against a pipe strap next to a stud and when you drain hot water from your tub or shower it goes into a chase that is a little cooler then room temperature. The heat expands the pipe causing it to rub against the stud to which it is pipe strapped. This is the sound you hear. As it cools it contracts and the noise is heard again. To repair it you must tear open the walls and locate the pipe strap that's causing the problem and shim it tight. Most people when they learn what causes it just elect to live with it. Regards and thanks for rating my answer. Tom Tom