Radiator Clicking or Ticking: Is It Normal?

Short answer

Yes, radiator clicking or ticking is usually normal. It is most often caused by metal pipes and radiator panels expanding and contracting as they heat up and cool down. In most homes this is harmless, but persistent or loud clicking can occasionally point to valve or pipework issues.

Why radiators make clicking or ticking sounds

Radiators are made of metal, as are the pipes that feed them. Metal expands when it heats up and contracts as it cools down.

As your heating system turns on and off, this movement can cause:

• small clicks
• light ticking sounds
• occasional tapping noises

These sounds often come from the radiator itself, the pipes passing through floors or walls, or the valve connections.

When clicking is more noticeable

Clicking and ticking sounds tend to be more noticeable at certain times.

When heating turns on

As hot water enters a cold radiator, the metal expands quickly, producing clicking sounds.

When heating turns off

As the radiator cools down, the metal contracts again, which can cause ticking noises.

At night

Homes are quieter at night, and heating cycles often change, making normal sounds easier to hear.

Match the sound to the cause

The type and pattern of the noise can help explain what is happening.

Light, occasional ticking

• Caused by normal metal expansion
• Very common
• Harmless

Repeated clicking when heating starts or stops

• Pipes or radiator moving slightly as temperature changes
• Usually normal

Sharp or loud clicking from one spot

• Pipe rubbing against flooring or brackets
• Often not serious but may be annoying

Clicking combined with banging

• May involve valves or water flow issues
• Worth checking

Is radiator clicking something to worry about?

In most cases, no.

Usually normal if:

• The clicking is light and brief
• The radiator heats evenly
• The noise happens mainly when heating changes temperature

Not normal if:

• The clicking is very loud
• It happens constantly
• The radiator stays cold in places
• Other noises like banging or gurgling occur

What to check first (in order)

Before assuming there is a fault, check these simple things:

1. Notice when the clicking happens
   Does it only occur when heating turns on or off?
2. Check the radiator valve
   Thermostatic radiator valves can click as they open and close.
3. Check pipe contact points
   Pipes touching floorboards or wall openings can click as they move.
4. Check heating pressure
   Unstable boiler pressure can exaggerate noises.
5. Leave it alone
   Mild clicking is often just how the system behaves.

Why clicking radiators are common in UK homes

Clicking radiators are especially common in UK properties because:

• Many homes have older pipework
• Pipes often pass through timber floors
• Narrow pipe routes restrict movement
• Radiators cool quickly in colder weather

These factors make expansion sounds more noticeable but not dangerous.

When to get help

You should consider getting advice if:

• Clicking turns into banging or knocking
• The noise suddenly becomes much louder
• Radiators stop heating properly
• Boiler pressure changes frequently

If the radiator heats normally and the noise is mild, no action is usually needed.

Final reassurance

Radiator clicking or ticking is one of the most common heating noises and is usually nothing to worry about. As long as your radiator heats properly and the sound is occasional, it is a normal part of how metal heating systems work.

Internal links to add

• Why Does My Radiator Make Noise at Night?
• Radiator Banging or Knocking: Should You Worry?
• Radiator Gurgling Sounds: Causes and Fixes