Everyone knows the sound that a toilet makes – and we certainly know when it doesn’t sound like it’s supposed to. When you hear your toilet making a strange noise, your head might be filled with worries of costly repair bills and hassles, but you shouldn’t fret yet! Toilets, and plumbing systems in general, are complicated with plenty of moving parts. Some fixes are easy, while others require a more specialized touch. That’s why it’s important to know how to diagnose your toilet’s problem, which is what we’re here to help you do!
Why Your Toilet Is Making Noise
If you’re scratching your head and wondering why your toilet is noisy, you’re not the only one. Pay attention to what sort of sound it is making, as that can give you a good indication of what the problem may be. We’ll break down the noises that faulty toilets make and connect them to common problems and solutions that you can try to use to solve the issue.
Knocking
One common noise you might hear from your toilet is a loud knocking sound, which can be alarming at first. This noise is the result of water hammer, a condition caused by high water pressure that makes the water in your pipes come to a sudden stop after flushing. It’s important to deal with this sooner rather than later, as you risk damage to your plumbing system if water hammer is left unchecked.
There are two ways to deal with this issue: adjust the shut-off valve of your toilet or install a regulated fill valve to better control the amount of water that is going into your toilet tank. And remember, if you’re not confident in taking on these tasks yourself, you can always call a plumber to help!
Ghost Flushing
If you’ve heard your toilet flush from another room while nobody is in there, you might be worried about the paranormal! But luckily, the cause of this random flushing isn’t likely to be a ghost; it’s usually just a damaged flapper. The toilet flapper is a small disk that seals the opening between the tank and bowl. When the flapper isn’t working properly, water can slip past, forcing the flapper open and flushing it. The fix for this is simple: replace the flapper. You can do this yourself or with the help of a professional.
Whistling
A whistling noise coming from your toilet is typically the result of a broken fill valve. This component controls precisely how much water goes into the bowl from the tank when you flush. If it has a small hole in it or isn’t sealing all the way, you’ll hear that whistling or hissing sound. To get rid of the noise, you should replace the faulty fill valve. You can also call a plumber to lend you a hand to ensure the new valve is installed properly.
High-Pitched Squealing
Not every toilet has a piece called a float valve, but those that do are at risk of emitting a high-pitched squealing sound when their float valves aren’t working right. While the sound might be unsettling to you at first, the issue isn’t all that serious and can be alleviated by replacing the float valve, which is cheap and simple enough for most DIYers to handle.
Gurgling
If you hear a gurgling noise coming from your toilet, you may have a serious problem on your hands. Unfortunately, gurgling is one of the worst sounds that you can hear, as it can be the result of multiple serious issues, including blocked sewer drains, backflow, issues with your ventilation, or a hard blockage. Should you run into a gurgling toilet, call a plumber and do not attempt repairs yourself. Without the right skills and equipment, you could end up misidentifying or worsening the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my toilet if it makes a strange noise?
Typically, you do not need to completely replace your toilet just because it’s making a strange noise. Prompt repairs can keep your toilet going without further issues for years. In fact, toilets are fixtures that can last decades without the need for replacement, so you shouldn’t be too worried about that.
How much do toilet repairs cost?
The amount that your toilet repair will cost varies based on the exact work being done. Generally, you can expect to pay $100-$400 for a professional repair.
Can I handle toilet repairs on my own?
If you are a DIY expert, you may be able to repair your toilet yourself. That said, we always recommend working with a professional plumber, as a professional will save you time, accurately diagnose the problem, and prevent further harm from coming to your system.
When You Need an Expert, Call Joe the Plumber
Never let plumbing issues disrupt your life or cause you undue stress. Call Joe the Plumber for great service and affordable solutions! Our highly trained professionals are equipped to handle a wide array of plumbing services, including residential and commercial plumbing. Throughout the Houston area, you won’t find another team as committed to quality as we are! Get in touch with us today to schedule your service.
