I have a downstairs toilet that is making fairly constant gurgling, tinkling and dripping noises. I have opened the back of the toilet and it appears to be coming from the area where the pipe comes in. The pipe at the floor is severely rusted (not sure if this matters). The tank appears to be full, but I guess I am not sure where the water is supposed to be. The toilet does require you to hold the handle down fully until the waste has gone down in order to fully flush the toilet.

The inside of the toilet is also held together with a safety pin, as the original plastic "chain" broke several months ago.. and my landlady "fixed" the issue this way.

It started a few weeks ago, but was only intermittent and I didn't think much of it. Now it has greatly increased in frequency. It doesn't seem to be affected by flushing.

I am concerned because it seems to be nearly constant now.

I apologize for not being able to give technical terms--I know nothing about plumbing!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!


Oh, the toilet is about 4 years old. It was installed in an addition to a very old house during a complete remodel at that time. It is also making airy sounds at times too--like gasping noises.. if that makes any sense.

Sounds like you might have several problems. Let's take this one first.

The toilet does require you to hold the handle down fully until the waste has gone down in order to fully flush the toilet
I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. Now check the flapper linkage there should be 1/4" of play when the flapper's seated. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply.. Tom

Thanks for you help! I will try those things.