What causes a tapping noise when I first turn on the hot water?

Answer by  stinkymess (310)

Pressure in the pipes often give off popping noises the first few seconds after turning on the water. The hot water comes in cold at first but heats up very fast. The pipes need to contract and expand under these conditions. Sometimes it sounds like the pipes are going to burst but they are just doing their job.

Answer by  garimagoel (31)

A leakage in the inside washer/valve of the hot water tap may lead to the tapping noise. what happens in this case is that there happens a loosing in the valve of the tap because of which the water starts leaking therby giving a tapping noise everytime you open it.to fix it, the valve/washer needs to be changed.

Answer by  JohnHolmes (2660)

This is the hot water heater electric pilot starting up when you turn on the hot water. Some people do not have this because they have a pilot lit all of the time but your heater is more efficient and has an automatic electronic start pilot which saves you money.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

First start by securing the hot water plumbing and see if that helps. If not install a anti-water hammer device into the line.