Creaking sounds in your water pipes can occur when hot water flowing through them causes them to suddenly expand as they heat up and contract when they cool again. Expanding pipes can also rub against wooden joists in the floors and walls, producing creaking noises.

Is it normal for pipes to creak?

The Problem

Most creaking pipe noises come from basic expansion of the pipe when the hot water touches the inside of it and contraction when the pipe begins to cool again. ... It also can cause the pipes to rub against nearby wood, making noise when it scrapes the wood.

Are creaking pipes bad?

An older home may make some creaking and grinding sounds, as the building material shifts or a strong wind blows. But plumbing noises are usually a bad sign.