Clicking or dripping sound from basement ceiling

Mar 06, 2005 4 Replies
U

I have a partially finished basement in a 15 year old house. From the unfinished utility room I can see between the basement ceiling and the ground floor floor. I have the AC pipes and new copper water pipes in this space running the length of the basement. It is slighly less than a foot in height.



In the basement I hear a dripping sound or a clicking sound on a fairly constant basis. Every 30 seconds or so. This has been going on for as far as I can recall; several months. There is absolutely NO sign of water or other codensation. I figure after several months if it was a leak I would have seen something by now. The floor above is carpet on top of plywood. Could I have gremlins running around in the AC pipes? Water condensing in the AC pipes? Or is it just the floor settling?



Anything I should be concerned about?



Thanks


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J

There are a number of explanations. I would certainly try to find it. If there was a leak, most likely you would eventually find some water. Take care that water can travel a fair amount, if the surface is ideal for it to do so.

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U

Thanks

With a ladder and flashlight I can see the area in question. If it is simply water dripping than I doubt it is on the ceiling sheetrock. It seems louder than that. It could be either dripping in the AC pipes or it is wood creaking/settling.

If it was condensation in the pipes would that be a serious problem? (Is that even common)? If it is the floor plywood settling on the beams is that a concern?

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J

I would guess it is most likely condensation going down inside a drain pipe where it belongs. or the expansion - contraction of hot water pipes or heating ducts.

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