Why do my ducts make a popping sound?

Author: Kyra Gusikowski  |  Last update: Thursday, December 11, 2025

This phenomenon occurs as a result of the temperature changes in the ducts. As cool air passes through a warm duct, the metal of the duct contracts and makes a popping sound. Similarly, as warm air passes through a cool duct, the metal of the duct expands and creates a popping sound.

How to fix popping noise in vents?

Basically you have to cut open the drywall where the ducts connect to each other. Then you have to make sure that they're straight, put a sheet metal screw in them, wrap it in aluminum tape, then get a piece of metal that wedges between the studs and secure the duct to it. This will stop the popping sound.

Is it normal for ductwork to make noise?

HVAC air ducts are frequently comprised of metal which makes them prone to causing noise with even the most minor disturbances. This ductwork noise can be a source of frustration for homeowners when it's constant or excessively loud.

Why do my pipes make a popping noise?

  • Air Trapped in Pipes : If air gets trapped in your plumbing system, it can cause popping or gurgling sounds as water flows through the pipes.
  • Water Hammer : This refers to a sudden change in water flow, often when a faucet is turned off quickly.
  • Sediment Buildup
  • Loose Pipes
  • Clogs

Why does my house make a popping noise?

These are often the result of changes in temperature and humidity throughout the day, week, or season. As temperature and humidity fluctuate, structures expand and contract at different rates, causing them to move against each other.

There is a popping Sound When My Furnace Comes On Or Is Running?

Is it normal to make a popping sound?

Cracking and popping joints, medically known as crepitus, are normal. Joints are points in your body where two bones meet.

Why does my house make loud popping sounds at night in winter?

Popping or cracking sounds can arise from the expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature changes. While these noises are generally harmless, homeowners should be proactive about ruling out any potential structural issues.

Do pipes make noise before they burst?

Another telltale sign is the sound of water running or cascading inside your walls when no faucets are in use. This isn't the usual gurgling caused by water pressure changes; it's an abnormal sound that signals a potential leak or burst pipe. Ignoring this can lead to significant water damage over time.

How do you know if your pipes are going to burst?

Unexplained Water Pools and Dampness

One of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe is the presence of water where it shouldn't be. If you notice puddles forming under sinks, near water pipes, or along walls, it's likely a sign of a leaking or burst pipe. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also telltale signs.

How do I stop my pipes from clicking?

You can install air chambers or water hammer arrestors to help fix the problem. Loose or poorly installed pipes can also vibrate or make noise when the water is quickly turned off, as can abrupt changes in water pressure due to an inconsistent water supply.

Why is there a clicking sound coming from my vents?

If the furnace is running normally but there's a clicking sound coming from the ductwork or air vents, there might be a cracked or loose duct. You can have a technician check for this the next time you call them for duct cleaning. Damaged ductwork should be replaced immediately.

How do I know if I have bad ductwork?

But if you notice a bad odor once you turn on the system, there might be a problem with your ductwork. Similarly, a lot of dust in your house indicates that your ductwork is damaged and dirty. Broken ductwork plays a major role in restricting clean air from flowing throughout your home.

What is the life expectancy of ductwork?

Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years, and starts to deteriorate around year 15. If your ductwork is more than 15 years old, you may need to have the ductwork inspected to see if it is time to replace it. If it is older than 25 years, you almost certainly need to replace the ductwork.

How do I fix sound popping?

To get rid of that pesky speaker popping sound, check connections outside of the speaker, like cables, and make sure they're in place properly. If that doesn't solve the problem, check and clean the connectors on the speaker and your output device to avoid the buildup of dust and rust.

What causes air popping?

The Eustachian Tube and Pressure Changes

Ear popping occurs due to changes in air pressure around you. The eustachian tube, a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, helps equalize pressure in your ears.

Why is there a weird noise coming from my air vent?

A whistling or roaring sound from a supply air vent could mean the vent has either too much air flowing through it or the volume damper inside the vent is partially closed restricting the normal airflow. Homeowners often close vents in empty rooms so they don't spend money to heat or cool unoccupied space.

At what temperature do pipes usually burst?

This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practic- ing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst- pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the tem- perature remains above 20 degrees F.

How much does it cost to fix a burst pipe?

The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn't involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150.

How do you check for burst pipes?

You can use your water meter to check for any leaks – make sure nothing is using any water in the property, then turn your stopcock off and note the reading. Check again after 1-2 hours to see if the meter reading has changed. If so, it's likely that there is a leak somewhere.

How do you know if your pipes are about to burst?

Following are some signs that will appear when a pipe bursts:
  • Water Pressure Fluctuations. One of the earliest signs of a burst pipe is water pressure fluctuations. ...
  • Unusual Sounds in the Pipes. ...
  • Wet Spots or Water Stains. ...
  • Unpleasant Odors. ...
  • Sudden Increase in Water Bills.

Why do my pipes pop?

Popping. Popping noises inside of water pipes can be caused by mineral buildup. The buildup creates a rough coating on the inside of the pipes, which results in the formation of air bubbles that burst and pop once the water heats up.

What does it sound like when a pipe bursts in your house?

Recognizing the signs of a burst pipe early can be crucial in preventing significant water damage. Here are some signs that you may have a burst pipe: Unusual sounds: You hear hissing, whistling, or banging sounds in the walls. Visible water damage: New water stains on your ceiling, walls, or floors.

Why do I hear banging outside my house at night?

It all has to do with different rates of expansion and contraction in connected parts of every truss. Most trusses are triangular in shape, with two sloped sides connected together at the bottom by a horizontal span of wood.

Why do I hear popping sounds in my attic?

When it gets colder, your roofing materials are exposed to the cold while the inside of your house stays warm. This means roofing materials are contracting while the interior is not. This creates pressure changes that lead to movement and noises like popping or cracking sounds.

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