Why flushing a toilet can be so noisy?
Noisy toilet cisterns are a common problem in most households. They can be especially annoying if the toilet is situated close to a bedroom. The main reason behind this problem is that cisterns are usually the most overworked parts in a plumbing system. However, a noisy toilet cistern can easily be repaired with basic plumbing tools and in a very short time. There can be many reasons behind a noisy toilet cistern. Listed below are some of the most common problems and the ways to fix them.
Dirty Valve
One of the most common reasons behind a noisy cistern is dirt and debris getting stuck in the fill valve. A horn or whistle-like sound is caused due to water pressure running across this dirt and debris. Fixing this problem is quite easy. The first thing you have to do is turn off the water supply, then open the top of this valve and check for debris or dirt. If you find any dirt, remove it and restore the top of the valve. Turn the water supply on and check the pipe for any leaks. This should stop the noise from the cistern.
Water Hammer
Another common problem is a humming noise when the toilet is flushed. This can be caused due to a worn valve diaphragm washer, which is a relatively easy repair. All you have to do is replace the washer. Always remember to turn off the water supply first. Go in, split the ball valve and you will find a black rubber washer. Replace this with a new washer. Place it in correctly and put the ball valve back.
1. GHOST FLUSHING: This can happen intermittently, cycling every few minutes or every few hours.
2. FILL VALVE HISS: A noise that is constant and sounds like forced air moving through the toilet.
3. WATER RESONANCE: (constant thumping) A noise you hear when the toilet is flushed and the toilet is running water during its flush cycle.
What can I do to stop a noisy toilet?
Bad vibrations
If the foghorn noise isn’t fixed by cleaning out the valve then it could possibly be a loose connection somewhere in the cistern. To check, firstly turn the water off and unscrew the assembly of all the parts including the valve. Take the washer out and put it back in the other way round. Screw everything back together tightly and replace it in the cistern. Turn the water back on and give it a test flush to see if that has fixed the problem.
The float switch
If you are getting water overflowing from the cistern then your float switch may need some attention. It could just be a case of unscrewing and reassembling the float in order to regulate it, or you may need to put a new one in. Either way this is easily fixed without calling a plumber in.
Gurgling drains
If you can still hear gurgling long after flushing the toilet then it might be a problem with the vent. By unclogging it you will stop pressure building up in the system.
Trusty plumber
If you’ve tried all of the above (or don’t have time to do so) with no joy, it’s probably time to get on the phone to your local plumber. They can usually sort the problem quickly and effectively: years of experience with noisy toilets mean they’ll be able to find the problem pretty swiftly.
