I live in a unit at the rear of a house. Both share the same water meter & hot water system. When I shower early mornings, the elderly resident in front house is disturbed by a loud ticking noise in the pipes,(seems to be amplified meter tick sound) and this is affecting his sleep patterns. This ticking sound is only heard when water is flowing. What can be done to suppress/ stop this noise? John, NSW

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. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom