Last updated: November 1, 2022 at 14:45 pm
Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuaries, our safe spaces. It is where we go at the end of the day to unwind, relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet after a busy day out or at work.
So, when that peace and quiet is interrupted, it can be quite frustrating. Especially if you don’t know what it is! One of the most common annoyances within a home is a tapping noise in the wall.
If you’re being bothered by your noisy walls – here’s what might be causing it, and what to do about it.
IN THIS ARTICLE
3 Causes of Tapping Noise in a Wall
1. Pests
By far, this is one of the most common causes of noises coming from within the walls. Tapping, rustling, or clicking within the walls of your home can be the first indicators of some gruesome pests taking hold of your property. Things like termites or carpenter ants are often to blame for tapping noises. These pests make these noises whilst they hollow into the wood and make nests.
If you do suspect that the noise is a bunch of ants or termites communicating with one another within your walls, the first thing to do is to call a professional exterminator.
Exterminators are trained to know which noises mean which pest. Also, how to effectively and easily remove said pests from your home. If they suspect that ants are the problem or termites, they will likely use a tool to listen to the noise and locate the pests before removing them.
This guarantees minimal hassle and damage for you and your property.
But it is not just pests like termites and ants that can cause tapping noises within the walls. Other pests like mice and rats can cause the same noises, they can usually be heard scurrying around, and their little footsteps sound like little taps.
Related: What Is the Scratching Noise in My Wall?
If you’re hearing tapping and scratching, it is likely to be mice or rats rather than insects. If this is the case, your best port of call is an exterminator. They will be able to help you to remove the pests without damaging your property.
Other pesky pests include:
- Squirrels
- Bats
- Chipmunks
Once you have had pests removed, it is important to reduce the risk of their return.
For mice and rats, this might mean preventing any food waste from remaining out in the open, sealing up gaps, and keeping an eye out for any signs of their return.
2. Electrics
Just like the heating and plumbing, electrical sockets can also be the cause of tapping noises within the walls. The noise created by electrical items will usually take the form of a tapping, popping, or clicking noise.
Usually, these noises are caused by some problem with the wiring, either a loose wire or broken connection. These noises won’t usually be the only symptom, you’ll often notice that your electrical items are flickering or turning off at odd times.
If that is the case, it is safest to go to your fuse box and turn off your electrics until you can get a professional in to look.
3. Heating and Plumbing
One of the other most common causes of repetitive noise – especially tapping – in walls, is metal pipes and ducts within the walls. Their job is to help with ventilation and heating, but often they will expand when hot and then shrink when cool.
This can be noisy, as the metal is changing shape. Alternatively, it may be the fault of the metal braces holding your pipes in place. If the pipes are moving, they may be rattling the brace, leading to a tapping noise within your wall.
Also read: How to Stop Water Hammer Noise in Pipes
You may also be hearing a stud meeting a pipe and rubbing together. This is likely to create a rubbing, bumping, or tapping noise as the sound is carried along the pipes. To fix this, consider changing (or hiring someone to change) the clamps within your wall.
If you are concerned that the noise has something to do with your central heating system or general plumbing, you should be sure to call a professional or your landlord to get the pipework looked at. This can help to ensure that your pipes are safe and prevent an emergency further down the line.
If your tapping is only happening when you turn the heating on or off, or the hot water, it is likely nothing to worry about. But, if it has just started, or is concerning you, it is always better safe than sorry.
