Unexplained clicking or tapping noises inside the walls
Unidentified tapping and clicking sounds inside walls are frequently caused by thermal expansion and contraction of metal water pipes rubbing against framing studs as temperatures shift. These rhythmic noises occur independently of plumbing use or light switches and disrupt sleep by repeating consistently throughout the day and night.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Speculating about potential causes like thermal expansion in pipes, ventilation systems, or mice.
- 2Checking for plumbing issues
- 3Checking electrical systems
- 4stomp or poke the ceiling with an object
- 5setting traps and poison stations in the attic
- 6waiting for pest control to inspect and seal entry points
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“as a stay at home mom, I’m constantly on edge waiting for the scratching to start again.”source ↗
“I can hear a sound coming apparently from a wall.”source ↗
“It is not super loud, but it wakes me up every night (also twice or three times).”source ↗
“Should I be worried about the noise?”source ↗
“It’s pretty much the same location and it’s on and off and I am panicking as hell.”source ↗
“I tried stomping or using something to poke the ceiling, but it’s on and off, I am not sure that if that stops the sound.”source ↗
“I don’t know if it’s rodent or something else.”source ↗
“I am hoping that someone might be able to help diagnose what on earth is causing this noise.”source ↗
“It’s been happening all day every 5-10 minutes for ~5 seconds at a time.”source ↗
“I guess my concern is it could be leaking into the house, but no signs of this yet.”source ↗
“I noticed it a few days ago, it happens constantly all day and night. It doesn't relate to any taps being turned on or any switches either.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2How to stop cracking and popping noises when walking on floors
- 7Why is my AC making a weird noise when it turns on?
- 4Why is my plumbing or AC making bubbling noises?
- 50How to explain an intermittent car noise to a mechanic
- 14Water dripping from electrical switches behind walls
- 3Grinding noise and smoke from under the car hood