Tapping sound from ceiling below master shower

[aetzkorn]

Hi,

I have noticed a tapping sound above the ceiling in our kitchen pantry, which is directly below the master bath shower.

I isolated the tapping go only when the shower or bath tub is draining. When the tub is filling or the shower water is running, the cold/hot lines are not making the sound. It's just when draining.

The ceiling below where I hear the tapping is not wet, I confirmed with a moisture meter.

the sound speeds up, then slows down as water is flowing.

I'm assuming it's expansion/contraction of the PVC drain, thoughts?

Shoudl I try and get this fixed knowing I have to take some of our textured ceiling out, or is it not causing any harm?

 

[aetzkorn]

Hi,

I have noticed a tapping sound above the ceiling in our kitchen pantry, which is directly below the master bath shower.

I isolated the tapping go only when the shower or bath tub is draining. When the tub is filling or the shower water is running, the cold/hot lines are not making the sound. It's just when draining.

The ceiling below where I hear the tapping is not wet, I confirmed with a moisture meter.

the sound speeds up, then slows down as water is flowing.

I'm assuming it's expansion/contraction of the PVC drain, thoughts?

Shoudl I try and get this fixed knowing I have to take some of our textured ceiling out, or is it not causing any harm?

 

[havasu]

It could very well be the expanding pipes going through the wood beams, and forgetting the isolators. I have an area above my shower that "ticks" as the whole house recirculator pushed the hot water around my house.

(by the way, your attachment failed to download)

 

[aetzkorn]

That's a video of the tapping sound, you can hear the draining water flowing overhead.

 

[aetzkorn]

It could very well be the expanding pipes going through the wood beams, and forgetting the isolators. I have an area above my shower that "ticks" as the whole house recirculator pushed the hot water around my house.

(by the way, your attachment failed to download)

 

[havasu]

I believe this forum only allows posts such as what you are posting after 10 posts. It is a "spam" protection addition here.

 

[aetzkorn]

I believe this forum only allows posts such as what you are posting after 10 posts. It is a "spam" protection addition here.

So it's allowing my text posts but not videos?

 

[havasu]

Yes, we get lots of spammers daily, and all members are hand screened for the first 5 posts by myself and my partner Geoff.

 

[aetzkorn]

Yes, we get lots of spammers daily, and all members are hand screened for the first 5 posts by myself and my partner Geoff.

Ok, is my video coming through now?

 

[havasu]

Yes it finally posted.

 

[havasu]

Can you get up where that noise is coming from? The sound seems metal against metal. Also check any ventilation fans, soffit fans, etc.

 

[aetzkorn]

Can you get up where that noise is coming from? The sound seems metal against metal. Also check any ventilation fans, soffit fans, etc.

Not without removing a section of that drywall ceiling

 

[Twowaxhack]

Probably a pipe expanding and contracting against the framing. It’ll make a ticking/popping noise that some people mistake from a drip.

 

[Ludington]

Sounds pretty consistent to be something expanding, how long does this occur if you keep letting it drain ? Dies it ever stop ?

 

[aetzkorn]

Sounds pretty consistent to be something expanding, how long does this occur if you keep letting it drain ? Dies it ever stop ?

It stops pretty quickly after it's done draining. The rate of the tapping slows as the drain runs longer.

 

[bkspero]

If you remove the light fixture nearest the sound is there room enough between the electrical junction box and the ceiling to insert a borescope to get a look at what's happening above that area? Not sure what you are going to do with the information, but it might be generally of interest.

 

[Twowaxhack]

It’s the pipe expanding or contracting. This happens when the hole for the piping is too small or held tight in some way. It’s very common.