Why Does My Toilet Trumpet?
When a toilet flushes, it pulls waste and water through a series of pipes from inside the house out into the main sewage or septic system. The suction caused by this can create a number of sounds, some normal and some abnormal. A trumpeting noise from the toilet is not one of the normal sounds and results from several possible causes. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Fill Valve
-
The ballcock, or fill valve, is the most common reason for a toilet groaning. This part of the toilet regulates the amount of water that flows into the tank, allowing fresh water in until the float closes the seal on the valve. As with most parts of a toilet, the plastic or rubber parts of the ballcock can deteriorate and even snap apart. While a separated float would lead to overflows in the tank, a minor malfunction in the ballcock can create a small leak as the valve tries to close. This will cause a trumpet or groaning sound in the toilet. Unfortunately, a ballcock is not a repairable part of the toilet and requires replacing when damaged.
High Water Pressure
-
A trumpeting from the toilet may also come from a high-water-pressure system. These types of systems can force water through the piping too quickly and cause a number of problems including hammering and trumpeting sounds. In fact, a high-water-pressure system can put stress on the piping and toilet system and cause leaks and ruptures. If water pressure is the suspected reason, check the pressure with a water-pressure meter. If the pressure is above 60 psi, contact your water service for pressure reduction options.
-
Leaks
-
A leak in the piping in your home can also cause toilet trumpeting and groaning. Even a small leak somewhere in the system lowers water pressure and can cause excess air to flow into the system. This can cause the toilet to groan as it searches for water or while air passes through the pipes. Aside from trumpeting, leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. Contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible if a leak is identified as the problem.
Water in the Air Chambers
-
Knocking noises and trumpeting are also a symptom of air chambers and water-hammer arresters that are breached and full of water. These parts of the toilet provide a buffer between the pipes and the toilet and prevent water pressure from “hammering” the pipes when the flow to the toilet is stopped. Like the ballcock, these devices are not repairable and require replacement when broken.
-
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
