Toilet Makes Noises

Problem: Toilet makes excessive noise during the flushing cycle.

Background: Toilets that make excessive gurgling or splashing sounds, or that whine or clunk during the flush cycle, likely have defective parts or need adjustment. Most noise problems can be isolated and repaired, regardless of the toilet’s age or its components.

 

What to do: If the inlet valve or ball cock assembly closes with a loud noise (known as a water hammer), it may be because the water pressure is too high. You can try reducing the pressure by partially closing the water supply valve next to the toilet.  Also see Water Pipes Are Noisy on water hammer solution. However, if the water supply is restricted too much a whining sound may result. Normally keep the water supply valve open as far as possible.
If the toilet still whines, check for corrosion debris at the water supply valve and at the ball cock or inlet valve inside the tank. Worn-out ball cock or inlet valves can also cause excessive noise. Replace washers, if possible, or the entire unit. If the toilet’s fill cycle is long or noisy, it may be caused by a partially plugged valve inlet or supply line. Try to clean out the inlet passage of a new- style inlet valve with a knitting needle or a straightened coat hanger.

Special advice: A splashing sound can be caused by the refill tube pointing straight down inside the overflow pipe or spraying water directly into the tank. Either problem can be corrected by repositioning the refill tube so that the water coming out of it hits the inside wall of the overflow pipe.

Helpful hint: When installing or re placing water supply stop valves, ball cock assemblies, or inlet valve units, be sure to clear any debris from the water line before final assembly. (Instructions that come with replacement parts tell how to clear debris from the water line.)