Hi guys!

In addition to my little problem with my toilet posted in another thread (can fix it easily), I have another issue.

Every time I use the upstairs shower/toilets/sink, when running water, a loud banging/tapping noise appears. When you turn it off, the banging noise still appears after about 5 seconds, then stops. I assume that water is trying to go through the pipes but something is getting stuck.

Any help as to the cause and ways to solve it?

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

Thanks Tom - What are the effects of not fixing it? Typically, would this get progressively worse to the point of it causing other damages?

I'm willing to live with it if in most cases, will not cause further damage.

Most people elect to just live with it or make it a conversion piece once the mystery's been removed. It will not get worse, in fact it will get better with warm weather. Good luck, Tom