How to Quiet a Loud Flushing Toilet
If your toilet makes any loud or unusual noise after you flush, it indicates something is wrong. A few different things can cause a noisy toilet, and you should investigate the cause of the noise to fix the issue before it worsens.
A loud flushing toilet can be a frustrating problem. Maintaining your toilet can prevent issues from occurring in the future. This includes cleaning the toilet regularly and checking for any signs of wear or damage. If you’ve tried everything and your toilet is still making noise, call a plumber for help. A licensed professional can diagnose the problem and recommend the best fix.
This article goes over some of the most common toilet noises, what plumbing issues they indicate and what you can do about them.
Check For Loose Parts
If your toilet makes a loud noise when flushed, the first thing you can do is check for loose parts. One common culprit is the flush valve, which can become loose over time and cause a loud noise when water flows through it. The fill valve and flapper can also become loose and cause noise. To check for loose parts, remove the toilet tank lid and flush the toilet while observing the components inside. If you notice anything moving or rattling, it’s likely that a part has become loose and needs to be tightened or replaced.
Adjust the Water Level
A loud flushing toilet is commonly caused by the water level in the toilet tank being too high. This can cause water to rush into the toilet bowl too quickly, creating a loud noise. To fix this issue, you can adjust the water level in the tank. To change the water level, locate the fill valve in the tank and adjust the float arm or screw to lower the water level. It should be about ½ to 1” below the top of the toilet’s overflow tube.
Replace the Fill Valve
If adjusting the water level doesn’t help, it may be time to replace the fill valve. After a flush, the fill valve brings the water back into the toilet tank. This valve may not close properly if worn out or damaged. This can cause a hissing or whistling or the sound of constantly running water. Replacing the fill valve is generally straightforward, and you can purchase a replacement fill valve at your local hardware store.
Replace the Flapper
The flapper is part of the toilet that opens to allow water to move from the tank into the bowl during a flush. If the flapper is faulty or worn, you might hear a hissing noise as the water leaks slowly into the toilet bowl. To fix this, remove the flapper, clean off any buildup, or replace it if worn or damaged.
Check Your Water Pressure
When water travels through pipes at high pressure and is suddenly stopped or redirected, it can create a shockwave that causes a loud banging or thudding noise. This sound is known as the water hammer effect and can be particularly problematic in older homes with copper or iron pipes. Installing a pressure regulator can help reduce the water pressure in your pipes, preventing the water hammer from occurring. A water hammer arrestor can also be installed to absorb the shockwave and prevent it from causing noise. If you are experiencing water hammer noises when you flush the toilet, you may want to consult a plumber to diagnose the problem.
Get Your Pipes Inspected
Water flow can become restricted if the pipes from your toilet to the main drain are clogged with debris or mineral buildup. This can cause pressure buildup, leading to loud noises, often gurgling or bubbling, when the toilet is flushed. Clogged pipes can also cause air pockets in the plumbing system, leading to loud toilet noises. To fix this issue, you need to address the underlying cause of the clog. You can try using a plunger or an auger to unclog a pipe. If the problem persists or you notice water backing up in other areas of your home, you may have a more severe clog. In this case, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for help.
Replace the Toilet
It may be time to consider a new toilet if all else fails. Older toilets are typically louder than recent models because they use more water during a flush. The higher volume of water rushing through the pipes can create noise. Newer toilets are designed to be quieter than older models and can help reduce noise in your bathroom. Look for toilets with a low decibel rating or a dual-flush system that uses less water and creates less noise.
