I just moved in to a first floor apartment. When the tenants upstairs have their heater on, the pipes make very loud constant ticking noises. It is unbearable in the morning, and prevents us from sleeping. Seriously, a constant knocking and ticking sound. We told maintenance about it and they just sent someone in that listened to it and said it was the hot water pipe expanding and contracting. The solution they said was to get ear plugs.
This is insanity. The noise is driving us crazy. Seriously, constant knocking, ticking noises, for hours.
What can I do? Are the landlords responsible for fixing it? How do they know there isn't a leak? I need a solution before I go mad!
Thanks guys!
Update:Note: The noise was not present when we looked at the apartment.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
A common thing, expansion and contraction.
Maybe a reality check or just move away because the pipes are heating.
You should live where they have leaking steam traps.
By your statement "The noise was not present when we looked at the apartment." means your unduly suspicious and a non-believer. Too bad.
Below is a conversation online about people who eventually understand. :)
The maintenance people are correct. Expansion/contraction of heating or hot water pipes is common, and there is NOTHING they can do about it. It's not insanity in the least. It is simply part of the mechanicals which heat the property and provide hot water. The solution ? Get the ear plugs as they advise.
HINT: Leaks do not cause noises as you are hearing.
Let me guess, the house has radiators. They creak as the hot water passes through and the pipes expand. When you looked at the apartment you saw radiators.