Why Is My Toilet Making Noise?

Posted by Spencer | October 30, 2023 | Reading Time:

It’s disconcerting to hear strange noises from your toilet, and for good reason. A toilet should only make noises when someone hits the flushing knob. Once the tank has emptied water into the bowl and refilled, the toilet should be completely quiet until the next time a member of your household uses it.

So, it’s no surprise to hear worried homeowners asking, “Why is my toilet making noise?” when they notice something off, whether the toilet is in use or not in use.

As the premier toilet repair professionals in Phoenix, AZ, we’ve heard all manner of toilet sounds. We’ll discuss them and their causes in this post.

Banging

Do you hear a banging or knocking shortly after flushing your toilet? It’s often due to high water pressure in your supply line. In plumbing circles, this phenomenon is known as “water hammer.”

Water hammer can go from nothing more than a jarring noise to damaging your pipes if you ignore it long enough. We recommend adjusting the shut-off valve to reduce the water pressure. Alternatively, you can install a water hammer arrestor on the water line.

High-Pitched Squealing

Some homeowners call us to ask, “Why is my toilet making noise?” after hearing high-pitched squealing as their toilet tank refills after a flush. If you experience this, don’t panic. It’s not sewer gas entering your home or other such misconceptions. In many cases, it’s a sign that the float valve (or ball cock) isn’t sealing tightly.

Adjusting the float valve mechanism is often enough to stop this plumbing noise. Alternatively, you can make a quick stop at the home improvement store to replace the whole mechanism.

If you’re willing to replace the ball cock mechanism with a new one, it’s probably better to complete the switch to a fill valve. They are less likely to wear and cause these unusual toilet sounds.

Ghost Flushing

Does your toilet seem to flush on its own? These bathroom disturbances always seem to happen in the middle of the night, hence the term “ghost” flushing. Despite the name, there’s nothing supernatural going on here. It often signifies an issue with the toilet flapper.

If the flapper is faulty, water will slowly seep into the toilet bowl until it reaches a certain level in the bowl. At that level, the flush mechanism will kick in on its own.

A simple way to confirm this hypothesis is to put some food dye in your toilet tank. Check back after half an hour to see whether the food coloring has spread into the bowl. If you see the food coloring, it’s time to replace the flapper.

You can find the right flapper for your toilet at any plumbing system supplies store. Consider bringing your current flapper to ensure the perfect fit.

Gurgling

Gurgling coming from your toilet is a frustrating plumbing noise that’s hard to trace. Possible causes include a blockage in a vent stack, a blocked sewer drain, or a blockage in the toilet.

You can use a plunger to try unblocking any clogs in the toilet. However, we recommend calling in a plumbing expert for a thorough inspection. Avoid using the toilet until it’s fixed to avoid worsening any underlying problems that could lead to a plumbing emergency.

Vibrating

Do you hear and feel vibrations around the wall each time you flush your toilet? These likely indicate a problem with the diaphragm gasket inside your fill valve. Wear and tear can cause the gasket to lose elasticity.

Try flushing the toilet while gently holding the float arm. If the noise doesn’t repeat, it’s time to replace the fill valve.

Rainforest Plumbing & Air to the Rescue

Water closet issues are a significant cause of concern for many homeowners. Whether your toilet is leaking under the tile or you’re hearing strange sounds coming from there, you’ll feel uncomfortable until you’ve fixed the problem.

At Rainforest Plumbing & Air, we proudly offer fast and efficient toilet repair services. We are the team to call when you need help troubleshooting toilet noises. If you have to ask, “Why is my toilet making noise?” you most certainly need our service.

While some of the common causes of toilet noise are easy to fix, it’s not always easy knowing where the problem lies for certain. Getting expert help is the best way to avoid significant plumbing issues down the line.

Call Rainforest Plumbing & Air today to schedule your appointment.