Whether it occurs unexpectedly or after flushing, it’s alarming to hear unfamiliar sounds coming from your toilet. If left without a solution, various noises can lead to bigger problems such as overflowing water or clogged pipes. In this blog, we explore the peculiar sounds that can emerge from your toilet and how to fix it, from toilets making hissing noise, toilet flushing on its own, and more.
Toilet Whistling or Squealing
Whistling and squealing sounds are most often the result of a faulty float value.
The float valve is a device that enables your toilet tank to fill with water without overflowing. Repairing float valve is entirely possible with the help of a trusted plumber.
However, you can also choose to replace your float valve or upgrade to a more modern fill valve. Installing an adjustable fill valve allows for better control over your toilet’s water levels.
Toilet Making Hissing Noise
A toilet making hissing noises can be a sign of a fill valve not closing or sealing properly. When this happens, air is able to escape, which creates a hissing or whistling sound. Fill valves let water into your toilet’s tank when empty and prevent water from coming in once it’s reached the waterline. Aside from the noise, a malfunctioning fill valve can also lead to water leakage.
The most common cure for a hissing toilet is a fill valve replacement. While you can attempt a DIY fill valve replacement, hiring a professional plumber for the job can help ensure a proper installation without future complications.
Consistent Running
The regular toilet flush sound occurs as water refills your toilet bowl and tank. If the noise doesn’t stop once the water levels return to normal, you may have a problem with your toilet’s flapper chain, tank valve, or float valve. For chain issues, feel the chain inside the tank and take note of whether there’s any slack.
A chain that’s too tight will need to be loosened. If the tank valve is the culprit, a replacement may be necessary. Float valves are often fixed with a simple height adjustment, although it’s best to consult with a plumber to determine if switching to a fill valve is recommended.
Toilet Gurgling
Gurgling toilets have many possible causes and fixes. The most common reason for a gurgling or bubbling sound coming from your toilet is a blockage. A blockage can happen in the drain, vent stack, or toilet and creates a gurgling noise as a result of the air on the water.
If the source of the clog is within the toilet, you may be able to deal with it yourself by using a plunger. Gurgling sounds that occur when flushing can indicate a buildup at the shut-off valve that’s obstructing water flow. This requires the assistance of a plumber.
Water Hammer
The knocking or pounding noise you hear coming from your toilet or the surrounding walls it’s referred to as water hammer. When water hits the inside of your pipes or the toilet valve, it produces a loud knocking or banging noise. This happens as a result of high momentum water flow.
Adjusting the shut-off valve or installing a regulated fill valve can help you maintain an even water flow. There could also be a more serious problem behind the water hammer such as high pressure in your pipes or the need for a water hammer arrestor. These issues are best dealt with by a professional plumbing company.
Moaning, Rattling, Vibration Sound
Typically, the cause of vibration, moaning, or rattling sounds lies within the fill valve. Whether it’s a damaged valve or a worn valve seal, you’ll most likely need a replacement. Cleaning your current valve seal is also a viable option, though it isn’t as long-lasting as a full replacement.
The source of the issue can also come from the valve’s diaphragm gasket. As it becomes worn, the gasket stiffens, which can lead to the vibrating sound as it shuts off. Consult with a reputable plumbing company such as WaterGuard Plumbing for further guidance and advice.
Humming
A humming toilet can occur because of a faulty fill valve, a leak, mineral or debris buildup in the supply line, or a worn out shut-off valve. Replacing the fill valve, the flapper chain and toilet handle, or the shutoff valve, are all potential fixes. If you’re replacing the shutoff valve yourself, it’s very important that you first turn off the main water shutoff.
In extreme cases, such as a leak, you may need to install an entirely new toilet in place of your old one. Finding the source of the problem is the first step, and it’s recommended to consult with a plumber, as there are many possible reasons behind a humming toilet.
Toilet Flushing on Its Own
A toilet flushing on its own, also referred to as a ghost toilet, occurs when water moves past the toilet’s flapper and pushes it up. When the water forces the flapper upwards, it has the same effect as manually pressing down on the handle to flush the toilet. Old or improperly installed flappers are susceptible to this problem.
Either you or a qualified plumber can easily fix this problem by installing a new flapper. In addition, ghost flushing happens when your toilet is constantly running. To resolve this issue, refer to the above section on constantly running toilet sounds.
Toilet Making Loud Noise When Flushed
Float valves, water pressure, and leaks can all lead to your toilet making loud noises when flushed. These sounds range from high-pitched humming, rattling, pounding, and foghorn noises. For one, a foghorn sound comes from a loose washer inside a float valve. If you lift the float while flushing and the noise disappears, you’ll know that a loose washer is causing the problem.
If it’s the water pressure that’s the problem, you’ll likely hear a high-pitched hum. This can be solved by adjusting the fill valve. More complex causes for toilet flushing sounds include leaks and mineral buildup in the pipes or toilet.
Let’s Fix Your Noisy Toilet Today
When you need help with a hissing toilet or a toilet making a loud noise when flushed, call an experienced plumber. WaterGuard Plumbing has the expertise to identify and fix any toilet issues with confidence. Contact us today to get your toilet back in tip-top shape.
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