Plumbing and Piping - Rattling pipes

Whenever I shut off the hot water, I have a rattling noise comming from the copper pipes going into the hot water heater. The rattle is in the wall between the family room and the garage where the hot water heater is located. I bought the house in June and have always had this problem until I had to replace the hot water heater a few months ago. The problem went away for awhile, but now it is back. Any thoughts on what I can do to get rid of this annoyance?

Thanks,

Scott

Rattling pipes are caused by water hammer when the flow of water is abruptly cut off.
A water hammer arrester can be installed in the line to absorb it.
It can be an arrester made for the purpose or simply a length of pipe up from a T with air in it.
http://www.terrylove.com/images/minires.jpg
One type of arresters.
Just look in the Plumbing section of a hardware store or home center.
Should solve your problem.
Good Luck!
Mike

Thanks Mike. I appreciate the response. I will give that a try.