I read a response you wrote a year ago which seems to apply to our situation. I am now hearing loud creaking noises in the walls or floor/ceiling. Your response indicated that it is the expanding and contracting of pipes... would that still be accurate even if we're hearing it when water hasn't been used for a while? Given that you said opening the walls was the only way to fix it, is it dangerous to the stability of the pipes, walls, floors etc. Not to fix it?
Thank you,
Shara

While creaking and crackling pipes may be a pain the pipes won't be harmed. The only way to stop it is to open up the walls and restrap the pipes. Most people simply learn to live wit it. It can be a conversion piece when you have company over. Good luck, Tom