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    momincali's Avatar
    momincali Posts: 641, Reputation: 242
    Senior Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 9, 2006, 12:48 AM
    Noise in pipes overhead?
    About 9 months ago, we changed our old pipes to copper pipes throughout the house. Just recently, we hear funny noises when we turn on the shower in either bathroom. First we hear a tapping of the pipes, not too loud but enough and it sounds like it's coming from over our heads? Why is that?? Our shower will drip for a about 30-45 seconds after turning it off and then still make a dripping sound, but we can't see the actual drip. Not sure what that's about. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Mar 9, 2006, 07:30 AM
    Hi Mom,
    I can take the mystery out of your phantom noise but repairing it is another matter. What you are hearing is your pipes expanding and contracting against the pipe straps and studs or rafters as hot water runs through them.
    This should be less noticeable in warmer weather.
    If you wish to repair this you will have to open up drywalls to track the sound down and then shim the pipes so they are absolutely tight. Most homeowners find this not to be cost efficient and just learn to live with it. This "tapping" is not harmful and will do no damage. It's possible the "dripping" you hear from your shower is caused by the same thing. Regards, Tom
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