If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think about your toilet much until it starts acting up. That’s why a strange whistling sound after flushing can get your attention!

While it’s not an emergency, a whistling toilet is a sign something’s wrong. With the help licensed plumbers Alexander Siv and Jason Duda, I’ll explain what causes a toilet to whistle, DIY fixes, and why it’s a bad idea to just ignore it.

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What Does a Whistling Toilet Sound Like?

A whistling toilet produces a high-pitched hiss that can occur at different volumes and intensities. In some cases it’s light, soft whistle. In others, it can be much sharper and louder.

Either way, the sound typically begins right after flushing and continues until the toilet stops refilling. If you hear a noise like this, there’s an issue with the toilet’s internal components that needs to be addressed.

What Causes a Whistling Toilet?

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This sound is often caused by the flow of water through a restricted or partially closed fill or water supply valve.

• Faulty fill valve: A failing fill valve may not open all the way when refilling the toilet. This restricts the water flow, causing whistling when water is forced through the smaller opening. The rubber washers in older ball-float fill valves deteriorate over time. This also restricts water flow and can cause metal parts to vibrate, both of which can make a whistle-like sound.
• Clogged fill valve: Sediment from water can build up over time and clog or block a fill valve. When this happens, Duda says, “the valve won’t open fully and can create a whistling sound.” Clogs can also happen in the valve inlet near the bottom of the tank. “If the water inlets are clogged, then the water isn’t going to come out the way it was designed to, and you might get that whistling or whooshing sound,” Siv says.
• Water supply valve issues: If the water supply valve to the toilet is not fully open, it can restrict water flow, resulting in a whistling noise. Also, a worn gasket inside this valve could shift or become compromised. Water then whistles as it rushes past a partial obstruction.

DIY Whistling Toilet Troubleshooting and Fixes

To determine the exact cause of the whistling, inspect the internal components. Follow these steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues:

• Replace the fill valve: Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to empty the tank. Use a sponge to remove any remaining water. Remove the old fill valve. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the tank and loosen the nut securing the valve to the tank. Replace it with a new fill valve following the manufacturer’s instructions. “This is usually a pretty straightforward project, and new fill valves are not very expensive,” Duda says. If you have a ballcock assembly, consider replacing it with an updated cup-float valve.
• Clean the fill valve: Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Remove the fill valve cap found at the top of the assembly. Use an old toothbrush or rag to remove any visible mineral deposits or debris. Rinse the cap and any gaskets in clean water. Reinstall the cap assembly.
• Check the water supply valve: Ensure the water supply valve to the toilet is fully open. Turn the valve fully counterclockwise.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with these tasks, consult a professional plumber.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Whistling Toilet?

Simple: The problem will get worse, leading to costly repairs, utility bills and water damage.

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“If you ignore it and don’t fix it, what will most likely happen is the toilet will start running all the time,” Duda says, “That’s when we usually get a call.”

Waiting too long to fix a whistling toilet can lead to:

• Higher water bills: A continuously running toilet wastes a significant amount of water. That costs money.
• Increased repair costs: A constantly running toilet is at risk of overflowing. What might be a simple fix now could turn into a major repair or replacement project later.

To avoid these problems, it’s essential to address a whistling toilet promptly.

About the Experts

Alexander Siv is the owner of Amherst Plumbing and Heating in Amherst, Massachusetts. He has a master plumber’s license in Massachusetts and more than 10 years of experience.

Jason Duda is the manager of Boulanger’s Plumbing and Heating in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He has a master plumber’s license in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia, and more than 25 years of experience.

Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY