Have you been dealing with a plumbing problem like the nuisance of a whistling toilet lately? We become so acclimated to a lot of the different sounds that go on in a bathroom that when one sound is off, we may panic, as there is a lot of expensive and touchy equipment in there. What causes a toilet to whistle? Should I call a plumber right away? How much is this going to cost me this time?
To answer your questions, we know what causes a toilet to whistle, no you do not have to call a plumber, and best of all you do not have to spend much money!
How Do You Stop a Toilet from Whistling?
If you want to know what causes a toilet to make a whistling noise, you likely also want to know how you can fix it at home. Fortunately, it can be a quick and simple process. After determining the cause of the whistling noise, you will just need to adjust your shutoff valve or refill valve or possibly even replace your fill valve entirely.
Check out the steps below to help you determine exactly where your problem is and ultimately how to fix that annoying whistling noise in your toilet.
How Do You Fix a High-Pitched Toilet?
The most important thing to do to stop a toilet from making a whistling or otherwise high-pitched noise is determining what causes a toilet to whistle in the first place. Read on for some tips on finding the causes and solutions to fix your whistling toilet.
Step 1: Find the Knob for the Toilet’s Water Supply Valve and Make Sure It’s Open
This is usually found behind the toilet. Ensure that the shutoff valve is completely open by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 2: Flush
Try flushing your toilet. If this does not fix your problem, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Check the Fill Valve
Step 1: Locate the Fill Valve
Take the lid off the toilet tank andidentify the fill valve – it will be attached to the float arm.
Step 2: Flush and Listen
Flush the toilet again to see if you can hear the whistle coming from the valve.
Step 3: Clean and/or Adjust Fill Valve Flush
If the noise is coming from there, see if there is any mineral deposit buildup or other debris around the valve, as this could also be limiting your water flow. Clean off any debris with a damp cloth, and again flush your toilet.
If there was no debris or cleaning just did not do the trick, try adjusting your fill valve, as maybe it was just slightly out of place. Flush. Again, if it is still making that same noise, move on to the next method.
Method 3: Replace Fill Valve
At this point, it is likely time to just go ahead and replace your faulty fill valve. If you have an old metal ballcock valve toilet, you could just replace the gasket to put an end to the whistling.
However, the recommended thing to do is to replace the entire valve with a newer plastic model. Fortunately, these are inexpensive, and they come with the benefit of being less likely to whistle in the future when compared with a metal ballcock valve. Besides, it is easy!
Turn off the shutoff valve to the toilet, flush, and then mop up any remaining water.
Step 3: Disconnect the Fill Tube
You will find this connected to the overflow tube.
Step 4: Remove the Fill Valve
Look for the valve nut. Unscrew it, then remove the whole fill valve.
Step 4: Install New Fill Valve
Ensure the washer are in the right place, then tighten the lock nut onto the fill valve using your wrench or hands.
Step 5: Reattach the Water Supply Line and Turn Water Back On
Use your wrench to attach this to the bottom of the fill valve. Turn the shutoff valve back on.
Step 6: Adjust the Float Arm
It should rest above an inch below the overflow tube. Depending on your model, use the adjustable clip at the side or a screwdriver for adjustments.
Step 7: Flush
Once your toilet is back in working order, flush it again to make sure the whistling noise has stopped, and there are no leaks.
Is a Whistling Toilet Dangerous?
Thankfully, it is not dangerous. But the main concern is that it could cost you more money in the long run. A faulty fill valve can lead to significantly increased water usage (up to hundreds or even thousands of gallons a year!), which leads to higher utility bills.
Why Does My Toilet Squeal After I Flush It?
In toilets with metal ballcock valves, the squealing noise comes from the valve opening. When you flush, the ball on the end of the metal arm drops and opens a small hole at the other end of the arm. This hole eventually closes as the toilet tank fills back up with water.
If the valve has an old or worn gasket, it may start vibrating, spreading the vibrations to the ballcock valve and causing the whistling noise. The noise finally stops when the small hole at the end of the arm finally closes all the way.
Why Does the Toilet Make Noise Every Few Minutes?
That depends -what kind of noise is it making?
Ghost Flushing
If it sounds like your toilet is flush on its own, you could have a “ghost flush.” This usually means that there is a leak in your tank or the fill tube. It could also mean the refill tube needs an adjustment.
Static Sound
This could mean you need a new flapper.
Banging/Gurgling Sound
This is also called the “water hammer.” This could mean there is high water pressure in your pipes or a restricted water flow.
