Just started yesterday and we have lived in this house a year. When we flush a grinding noise happens for about 2-3 seconds. Need to know what to do and can't afford a plumber. Please help!

Which ballcock do you have? If it's the one on the right then this might help. Let me know.
: Good morning Pat, There are a few things that would cause this problem. First make sure the lever is free and not hanging up letting water seep past the flapper. Then check the linkage between the flapper and the flush lever, When the tank is full you should have at least 1/4" of play. I have found this vibration occurs when a very small amount of water is seeping past the flapper causing the ballcock to open just far enough to cause vibration between tha ballcock washer and the seat causing the pipes to pick it up and amplify it. This noise will stop when you jiggle the handle thus seating the flapper firmly. You might also check the edge of your flapper. If it has wavey edges, replace it. Also this can happen if the tank level's too high and the water's leaking into the overflow tube. Check the tank level. it should be 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube. Hope this answers your question. Tom

Hi Tom, we have the diagram on the left. Can you explain what I need to do in that instance? Thanks so much, Chris & Dan

You have a FluidMaster ball cock. Shut the water off to the toilet and twist the top off the ball cock. As per illustration. Now remove the washer and place a pan over the opened ball cock. Turn the water back on close to a moment to flush out the supply. Reassemble and give it a flush. Better now? Good luck, Tom