I have gas hot water heat and hear banging in the walls usually at night like tap tap tap getting really loud then slowing down can someone please provide some solutions to this? Is it that my pipes need insulation to stop the expansion and contraction while the hot water runs through? All suggestions appreciated.

This is usually just the pipes and water heater expanding in size due to the impact of hot water, although I wouldn't call such noise "loud." Is the water heater burner on when these noises are heard?

Sounds normal for pipes.