We have a shower stall in one bathroom and a tub in the other bathroom upstairs. They
Butt up against each other. We hear a dripping sound every 10 seconds for about one minute when using either area. Also, from the sinks. We see no water spots. Is this a leak or just pipe noise. This started about 2 weeks ago. Doesn't do it all the time. We have been advised that it is possibly a leak were all the pipes connect to the drain and that they need to remove part of a wall to see this area to see if they are correct.

Don't know what to do. Could this sound be pipe vibration? Should we have the wall opened up and possibly find that there is nothing wrong with the drain? HELP!! :confused:

Sounds like your pipes are expanding and contracting in the wall. 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