That’s a good point about not ignoring weird noises—sometimes it’s more than just annoying. I’ve noticed that when the temps drop fast, my copper pipes get way louder, but the PEX lines barely make a peep. I’m guessing the material makes a big difference in how much expansion/contraction noise you get. Anyone tried swapping out supports or hangers for different types of pipe? I’ve seen some folks use those plastic brackets with built-in cushioning, but I’m not sure if they’re worth the extra cost compared to just tightening up what’s already there. Wondering if it’s really a long-term fix or just another thing to replace down the road...
Honestly, I’ve seen those cushioned brackets in a few jobs, and I’m not totally sold. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Copper pipes are just noisy when temps swing, no matter what you do. The metal expands and contracts a lot more than PEX, so you’re always going to get some creaks and pops.
- Those plastic brackets with the rubber inserts do help dampen the sound, but they can get brittle over time, especially in cold basements. Had to replace a few that cracked after a couple winters.
- Tightening up old metal hangers sometimes makes things worse—if the pipe can’t move at all, it’ll just find another way to make noise or even stress the joints.
I’d say if the noise is driving you nuts, try swapping out a couple hangers in the worst spots and see if it helps. But I wouldn’t go replacing every support unless you’re already doing other work. Anyone ever tried those felt pipe wraps instead? Wondering if that’s less hassle long-term...
Felt pipe wraps are actually my go-to for older copper lines, especially in spots where tenants complain about banging or ticking. I’ve found they hold up better than those plastic brackets, especially in cold basements where everything gets brittle. Here’s what I usually do: I cut a length of felt, wrap it around the pipe at the hanger, and zip-tie it in place. Not fancy, but it takes the edge off the noise and doesn’t crack like plastic. Never had to redo one yet, and I’ve got some that’ve been in for years. If you’re dealing with a lot of temp swings, it’s worth a shot.
Felt wraps have definitely saved me a few headaches. I tried those plastic clips when I first moved in, thinking they'd be a quick fix, but half of them snapped after the first winter. The basement in my place gets downright frigid, and the copper pipes would start making that weird ticking sound every time the heat kicked on. Drove me nuts at night.
I ended up using some leftover felt from an old craft project—didn’t even buy the official stuff at first. Wrapped it around the worst spots and used some twist ties I found in the junk drawer. Not exactly professional, but it worked way better than I expected. The noise dropped off a ton, and I haven’t had to mess with those spots since.
One thing I noticed, though—if you’ve got any spots where moisture collects (like near an old window or sump pump), the felt can get a little funky over time. I swapped out one section last spring because it started smelling musty. Not a huge deal, but something to keep an eye on if your basement’s damp.
Honestly, sometimes the “not fancy” solutions end up being the ones that last. I still keep a roll of felt and some zip ties in my toolbox just in case something else starts rattling or banging when the seasons change.
That ticking sound from copper pipes in winter is the worst—used to keep me up, too.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on “official” pipe wraps, only to have them peel off or get soggy in a damp basement. Ever tried using foam pipe insulation instead of felt? I’ve found it holds up better in spots that get a little wet, though it’s not as flexible for tight corners. Curious if you’ve run into any issues with critters chewing on your wraps—had a mouse make a nest in mine one year, which was a whole other headache...“Honestly, sometimes the ‘not fancy’ solutions end up being the ones that last.”