The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RAT-A-TAT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
A
T
-
A
-
T
A
T
More clues leading to the result RAT-A-TAT
- Repeatedly thanks plumber, finally turning taps
- Revised Maastricht Treaty lacking chemistry — heard repeatedly from knockers
- Artist gives thanks once again to model for knocking
- Knocking sound three times at residence's entrance in front
- Betrayer besieges Indian company with short taps
- Last words to sailor recalled? It’s not ringing a bell
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "taps" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case taps = rat-a-tat.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.