What's happening?

Noises in the walls

A building's pipes make noise for ordinary reasons and worrying ones. These answers help you tell them apart and describe what you hear to the person who can do something about it.

• Why do the pipes bang in my apartment?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: A missing arrestor or loose strap at your own fixture often falls to the owner or landlord. High building pressure or banging on shared lines goes to the association or building.
• I hear water running in the wall, even at night. Is that a leak?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: A running toilet or drip in your unit is usually the owner's or the landlord's. A leak in shared pipe usually goes to the association, and any water damage then follows the declaration and policies.
• Why does my drain gurgle when a neighbor runs water?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: A shared vent or slow common line is usually the association's or building's job. If the trouble proves to be only your own fixture's trap or branch, the owner or landlord may pick it up.