Hi, we have just bought our first house and recently had the bathroom refitted. After having a bath/shower or letting water out from sink the pipes start to bang after the water has drained away, possibly only lasts a few minutes but is really annoying. As the bathroom is situated above the living room, especially when the shower is on a constant banging noise can be heard, does anyone have any ideas of what this could be??

Much appreciated!!

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, Tom