Serious noise and vibration coming from pipes following toilet flush. I know it's air in the pipes, how do I get air out and stop the noise?

Hmmmm... does not sound like air in the lines to me MKCT... is this a new sound that recently developed? Have you had any work done on the plumbing recently.. When I hear of noises after the toilet is flushed I immediately figure water hammer or loose pipes somewhere. I mean, if someone worked on a pipe in basement... loosened a hanger or piped something that hits another pipe... can cause all kinds of racket.

If this is a new sound, evaluate the area the work was done in... shake the pipes around, etc. to see what you find. Further, your toilet fill valve may be defective...easy to change out and is probably the first thing to do if this is a new sound and no work has been done lately.

If it an old sound then you may have loose pipes in the wall (unfortunately would need to open wall to secure pipe and stop the noise)... if it is a water hammer issue, well that is a little harder to pinpoint and fix... sometimes installing a water hammer arrestor on the cold water line is sufficient to reduce the noise.. sometimes it is not...

Please get back to me with more info... especially if it is new sound... can talk you through changing of the fill valve if you are unfamiliar with installing new valve. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hmmmm...does not sound like air in the lines to me MKCT...is this a new sound that recently developed?? Have you had any work done on the plumbing recently...? When I hear of noises after the toilet is flushed I immediately figure water hammer or loose pipes somewhere. I mean, if someone worked on a pipe in basement...loosened a hanger or piped something that hits another pipe...can cause all kinds of racket.

If this is a new sound, evaluate the area the work was done in.....shake the pipes around, etc., to see what you find. Further, your toilet fill valve may be defective...easy to change out and is probably the first thing to do if this is a new sound and no work has been done lately.

If it an old sound then you may have loose pipes in the wall (unfortunately would need to open wall to secure pipe and stop the noise)...if it is a water hammer issue, well that is a little harder to pinpoint and fix...sometimes installing a water hammer arrestor on the cold water line is sufficient to reduce the noise..sometimes it is not...

Please get back to me with more info....especially if it is new sound...can talk you through changing of the fill valve if you are unfamiliar with installing new valve. Thank you.

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I have also developed a sort of whining noise (no banging or vibrating at all) at the filled point of the toilet flush. This happens on all toilets and not just one. We first noticed it after the Culligan man inspected our Water Softener resin. We wanted it inspected because after 10 years of use, there are rings around the toilet water anyhow. Something a water softener was supposed to prevent. He said we need it (the resin media) cleaned and he would charge $210 to do it. Sounds a little steep to me.

I still need to get an answer why my toilets suddenly produce a howling or whining sound after his inspection.

My toilet had what sounds like the same problem, a loud whining noise when filling up after flushing.
The solution was to replace the ball valve diaphragm which had become worn out.
As this is very cheap and straightforward it might be worth trying.

Yes the ballcock is one of the problems and it is easy to fix or replace a loose washer at the angle valve will be another problem, but we don't know what the real problem is, please respond to Mark's questions, and we will find what is wrong, good luck.

John

Open and close your angle stop. If it still persist, check fill valve washer.

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Originally Posted by dgalati

We first noticed it after the Culligan man inspected our Water Softener resin. We wanted it inspected because after 10 years of use, there are rings around the toilet water anyhow. Something a water softener was supposed to prevent. He said we need it (the resin media) cleaned and he would charge $210 to do it. Sounds a a little steep to me.

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I own a water treatment company, and have been in the water treatment business for about 20 years. I was responding to the bed cleaning on the softener. The reason why the bed cleaning is $210 is because it takes awhile to do. Most of the time a couple of hours. So, with a service call and 2 hours labor, plus chemical to clean the bed, your $210 estimate seems fair. I normally charge $160 in my area of central Florida.

Since the softener is 10 years old, I would consider either replacing the resin bed, or the entire softener. I tell most of my customers that after 10 years, they tend to nickel and dime you and give you problems. You will wind up overhauling it over time, or replacing it. If you replace it, you get a new warranty and less aggravation.

I know this was not necessarily your main question, but I thought I would comment on it anyway.
Al

It is possible that you are hearing noise due to increased water pressure. After the softener guy was there, maybe he left the softener in bypass mode since it was not working. Check the valves, and also the softener's bypass valve. If you're not sure about it, post a pic, and I'll let you know what to check.

Are you on a municipal water supply, or well?
Al

I know the original asker has probably found some solution or other by this time, but I found the other answers lacking when I had the same problem. So, for anybody else out there coming across this, you might want to try what I did first.

I had the same problem: terrible shaking in the pipes after flushing. Not immediately after, but as the tank was finishing filliing up. Right as the cap or bulb was supposed to shut off the supply, a horrible racket would come from the walls. I could feel it in pipes (when I found a good exposed one). So, instead of installing a water hammer, or taking the walls apart to secure the pipes, or even replacing the fill valve (we have a newer fill valve, with a cup instead of a bulb or ball), I simply loosened the cap the tiniest bit. Maybe an 1/8 of a turn, if even that. I found out that it had become too tight, and the cap was not working properly, because of a disparity in the pressures. By loosening it just a nudge, the cap was able to work properly, the shaking went away, and now everything is fine.

Maybe this won't solve your problem, but it is sure worth the 5 seconds it took me to see if it would work.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tolsti

I know the original asker has probably found some solution or other by this time, but I found the other answers lacking when I had the same problem. So, for anybody else out there coming across this, you might want to try what I did first.

I had the same problem: terrible shaking in the pipes after flushing. Not immediately after, but as the tank was finishing filliing up. Right as the cap or bulb was supposed to shut off the supply, a horrible racket would come from the walls. I could feel it in pipes (when I found a good exposed one). So, instead of installing a water hammer, or taking the walls apart to secure the pipes, or even replacing the fill valve (we have a newer fill valve, with a cup instead of a bulb or ball), I simply loosened the cap the tiniest bit. Maybe an 1/8 of a turn, if even that. I found out that it had become too tight, and the cap was not working properly, because of a disparity in the pressures. By loosening it just a nudge, the cap was able to work properly, the shaking went away, and now everything is fine.

Maybe this won't solve your problem, but it is sure worth the 5 seconds it took me to see if it would work.

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Hi. I am interested in trying the above... however, what do you mean by "cap?" is that in the tank, or at the wall junction, or at the pipe to the bottom of the tank connection? I am confused.

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Originally Posted by apierce14

Hi. i am interested in trying the above... however, what do you mean by "cap?" is that in the tank, or at the wall junction, or at the pipe to the bottom of the tank connection? I am confused.

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Ok, sorry for the ambiguous nomenclature. The "cap" I refer to, the one that needed to be loosened up a little, is inside the tank. It is the top of the "water control assembly" and where the "refill tube" comes from. (See attached picture below). When I simply loosened this "cap" a small amount, all of the shaking and noises stopped.

And after having some time, I figured out why. When the cap is on too tightly, it causes a pressure problem. The water coming in is usually stopped by the flow adjustment lever (right where the float ball's arm meets the water control assembly) at the top of the cap. This is because as the float ball rises in the tank, the flow adjustment lever is slowly pushed down to stop the flow of incoming water. But, when the cap is on too tightly, it causes the incoming water to have more pressure, which then makes it "fight" the adjustment lever. (Kinda like when boiling water makes the pot's lid jump around). While these two try to tuff out an equilibrium, it shakes the pipes and makes a lot of noise. Finally, however, equilibrium is reached and the noises stop. By loosening the cap, it reduces the pressure of the incoming water, so that the lever can win the battle.

Again, I think this should be a first step, and if it doesn't fix the problem, then go on to the other solutions, because you're problem may be different. If you find that upon the refilling of the tank, you can pull up on the float ball at any time and the water stops without making sounds, then it is probably that the cap is on too tightly. That's how I knew this was the problem.

Toilet will make noise for two reason, if the angle valve has a loose washer at the end of the stem, or dirt in the fill valve, next time when you flush your toilet and if starts the noise open the angle valve completely turn it clock wise, if the sound disappears it is a loose washer in the angle valve, if not then see the images below and tell me which fill valve do you see inside your tank and let us know and we will tell what to do , also we will help how to replace the washer in the angle valve, Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tolsti

Ok, sorry for the ambiguous nomenclature. The "cap" I refer to, the one that needed to be loosened up a little, is inside the tank. It is the top of the "water control assembly" and where the "refill tube" comes from. (See attached picture below). When I simply loosened this "cap" a small amount, all of the shaking and noises stopped.

And after having some time, I figured out why. When the cap is on too tightly, it causes a pressure problem. The water coming in is usually stopped by the flow adjustment lever (right where the float ball's arm meets the water control assembly) at the top of the cap. This is because as the float ball rises in the tank, the flow adjustment lever is slowly pushed down to stop the flow of incoming water. But, when the cap is on too tightly, it causes the incoming water to have more pressure, which then makes it "fight" the adjustment lever. (Kinda like when boiling water makes the pot's lid jump around). While these two try to tuff out an equilibrium, it shakes the pipes and makes a lot of noise. Finally, however, equilibrium is reached and the noises stop. By loosening the cap, it reduces the pressure of the incoming water, so that the lever can win the battle.

Again, I think this should be a first step, and if it doesn't fix the problem, then go on to the other solutions, because you're problem may be different. If you find that upon the refilling of the tank, you can pull up on the float ball at any time and the water stops without making sounds, then it is probably that the cap is on too tightly. That's how I knew this was the problem.

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OMG! That's definitely the problem... when I pull up on the float ball right before the tank finishes filling it doesn't shake... but when I try to "loosen" the cap (turn to left) the float ball hits the back of the tank. In other words, I can't turn it independently... ack! What a bummer... but at least I definitely know what's wrong, I just can't figure out how to make the float ball come all the way up "quickly" so it won't shake... I tried bending the pipe holding the ball, but it interferes with the piston thing that goes down and tells the tank to start filling... either way, I'm half way to a solution... I know the problem :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by afaroo

Toilet will make noise for two reason, if the angle valve has a loose washer at the end of the stem, or dirt in the fill valve, next time when you flush your toilet and if starts the noise open the angle valve completely turn it clock wise, if the sound disappears it is a loose washer in the angle valve, if not then see the images below and tell me which fill valve do you see inside your tank and let us know and we will tell what to do , also we will help how to replace the washer in the angle valve, Thanks.

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Mine looks more like the second attachement (the colorful one with numbers) When I pull up on the float ball (3 & 1) at the end of the fill cycle, the pipes don't shake. But the float ball is connected to the center of the cap... so I can't turn the cap without turning the ball as well, so the ball hits the back of the tank and won't go up or down. Basically... I need the float ball to "come up" "quickly" at the end of the cycle so that the pipes won't shake.. but I can't figure out how to do that... see attached

Open the link below will show hot to adjust the ballcock and how to set the water level, if this will not help, I would suggest to replace the fill valve with a Fluidmaster 400A, good luck.

John

Replace The Toilet Fill Valve, Flush Valve Or Flapper | Plumbing Projects | Reader's Digest

Wow it is time to change with a new one, good Luck.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tolsti

Ok, sorry for the ambiguous nomenclature. The "cap" I refer to, the one that needed to be loosened up a little, is inside the tank. It is the top of the "water control assembly" and where the "refill tube" comes from. (See attached picture below). When I simply loosened this "cap" a small amount, all of the shaking and noises stopped.

And after having some time, I figured out why. When the cap is on too tightly, it causes a pressure problem. The water coming in is usually stopped by the flow adjustment lever (right where the float ball's arm meets the water control assembly) at the top of the cap. This is because as the float ball rises in the tank, the flow adjustment lever is slowly pushed down to stop the flow of incoming water. But, when the cap is on too tightly, it causes the incoming water to have more pressure, which then makes it "fight" the adjustment lever. (Kinda like when boiling water makes the pot's lid jump around). While these two try to tuff out an equilibrium, it shakes the pipes and makes a lot of noise. Finally, however, equilibrium is reached and the noises stop. By loosening the cap, it reduces the pressure of the incoming water, so that the lever can win the battle.

Again, I think this should be a first step, and if it doesn't fix the problem, then go on to the other solutions, because you're problem may be different. If you find that upon the refilling of the tank, you can pull up on the float ball at any time and the water stops without making sounds, then it is probably that the cap is on too tightly. That's how I knew this was the problem.

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Here are some photos... I can't turn the "cap" independently from the float ball... any suggestions... that's definitely the problem

Hi all:

That unit is way overdue to be changed out. Just like John said...replace that fill-valve with a new fluidmaster 400A. Takes about 15 minutes... ;)

The copper ball is probably full of water and the seals are gone at the fill-valve itself. Not worth repairing.

Good luck!

MARK

It is 23 years old fill valve. Do as John said. Also, this unit doesn't have conventional flopper - but a large round seal on the bottom of the moving tube. Remove that old seal, go to Home Depot, get new one and install it. You don't have to replace whole fill tube and "flopper" tube...

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Originally Posted by mkct

serious noise and vibration coming from pipes following toilet flush. I know it's air in the pipes, how do I get air out and stop the noise?

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Is your toilet fed by the mains or from a tank? If its fed from the mains it should have a flow regulator inserted into the pipe which connects to the ball valve assembly.

That is usually the problem with noise after a flush! If you find another solution please let me know as I am curious to find a solution to that

[email protected]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kmonsteruk1

Is your toilet fed by the mains or from a tank? If its fed from the mains it should have a flow regulator inserted into the pipe which connects to the ball valve assembly.

that is usually the problem with noise after a flush! If you find another solution please let me know as i am curious to find a solution to that

[email protected]

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Thank you all! I replaced the floating ball thing with a fluidmaster 400a and it fixed my shaking pipe problem... I'm like a home plumber - haha! Thank you so much again... I 'm so happy!:):)

I am glad your problem is resolved and it is my pleasure to help and thanks for keeping us in the loop, good luck.

Regards,
John

Attachment 28185

Attachment 28186

Attachment 28187
Help! I believe I have the same problem... as the tank is filling (more than 1/2 full), the most horrible noise is being made - pipes rattling and all... it's awful. This is a new toilet and so, I tried to follow the diagram about loosening the "cap" but I'm just not figuring it out. Here's what it looks like - can someone explain to me what I should be loosening and how? Sorry I'm a dope...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by t1nkrbel65

Attachment 28185

Attachment 28186

Attachment 28187
Help! I believe I have the same problem...as the tank is filling (more than 1/2 full), the most horrible noise is being made - pipes rattling and all...it's awful. This is a new toilet and so, I tried to follow the diagram about loosening the "cap" but I'm just not figuring it out. Here's what it looks like - can someone explain to me what I should be loosening and how? Sorry I'm a dope....

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All right, it has been quite a while since I submitted this remedy, but I can still help, I believe. In your first photo, there is a black aparatus on the top of the stem that you have apparently taken off in the subsequent photos. Under that aparatus everything is white, and a lever comes out from the top and connects to the floater. Take that lever and bring it back to loosen it just the tiniest bit. Then, try flushing the toilet to see if it has worked. In my experience, it did work, and I believe I have explained my hypothesis in previous posts (regarding the back pressure, etc.). Now, I just wish it was easier to explain, but when it comes to this stuff I am a dope, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tolsti

I know the original asker has probably found some solution or other by this time, but I found the other answers lacking when I had the same problem. So, for anybody else out there coming across this, you might want to try what I did first.

I had the same problem: terrible shaking in the pipes after flushing. Not immediately after, but as the tank was finishing filliing up. Right as the cap or bulb was supposed to shut off the supply, a horrible racket would come from the walls. I could feel it in pipes (when I found a good exposed one). So, instead of installing a water hammer, or taking the walls apart to secure the pipes, or even replacing the fill valve (we have a newer fill valve, with a cup instead of a bulb or ball), I simply loosened the cap the tiniest bit. Maybe an 1/8 of a turn, if even that. I found out that it had become too tight, and the cap was not working properly, because of a disparity in the pressures. By loosening it just a nudge, the cap was able to work properly, the shaking went away, and now everything is fine.

Maybe this won't solve your problem, but it is sure worth the 5 seconds it took me to see if it would work.

---

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I own a condo and finances have been sooo tight lately. The last week or so I noticed that I had this very same problem. The vibration and the humming noise sounded so scarry. I was afraid I was going to have a very expensive problem to fix.

I googled my question last night and found this website. I printed out the diagram and armed with my screw driver dove into the back of my toilet and turned the screw. To my very releaved/pleasant surpise and many flushes later (to ensure that it was indeed fixed) everything is back to normal. You saved this lady who has no idea about plumbing from stress of the unknown as well from having to spend money on something so simple. Thank you Thank you!!

I have been trying to fix this in my house and I have no clue what is going on. The pipes started making noises all of a sudden, so after looking up things on here, I drained all the pipes and recharged the air pockets thinking it may have been water hammer. But that did not work, so then I replaced fill valves in all three toilets with a Fluidmaster 400 but the noise is still there.

I also checked the water pressure and it seems OK. So, some body please help. As mentioned in the above post, I am trying turn the "cap", but I don't know which cap. The "cap" mentioned, is that the water level adjustor? Or is it for something else?

The Fluidmaster valve that I have looks different from what shown in the picture, hence the confusion on my part.

Start a new post and describe your problem. At this point no one know exactly what kind of problem you have.
Water hammer is a loud bang that occurs when a fast acting valve, such as a toilet valve or single handle faucet is turned off. Other noises are usually caused by loose washers or a defective pressure regulating valve.

Start a new post and give us your specifics. When does it occur, at one location such as the toilet, or when water is used anywhere. Hot, cold or both?

Thanks, hkstroud. I will give a quick update here since there's no more noise coming from the pipes.

I flushed the valves of all three Fluidmasters and opened the water supply to the toilet all the way. I also made sure that the main water supply was turned on full all the way. After that I made sure that the water main coming in the house was secure and was not loose.

This helped and there is no more noise when the toilet is flushed and the water is just about to stop.

A heartfelt thanks to everybody who contributed on here since this post really helped.

I had exactly the same problem and solution as tolsti. After a year and a half of trying everything, the problem was solved by slightly turning the cap holding the ball valve.

The fix suggested by tolsti worked for me! The terrible noise coming from the pipes have been troubling me a lot. By turning the cap thing a bit counterclockwise, this seems to have solved or at least mitigate the problem. Thanks a lot for sharing this!

By the way. The others' suggestion of replacing the valve could work too and is worth trying out if the above quick fix does not work for you.

Hi S&W and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. You're responding to a 4 year old dead thread. Look in then upper left hand corner of the first post form the date in the first post before you post, Thanks,
Thanks for the update. Glad you're all fixed up. Tom

This repair worked so fast and easy I am stunned. My toilet sounded like a contrabassoon when re-filing. I turned the water supply off, took the fill valve apart and found it to be rather scummed up. Cleaned it off, replaced it and that was it. 5 minutes tota,
I may miss that contrabasooon though, it was rather unique.

Hi brooksbender and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk. Thanks for the update. If we can ever help in the future all you have to do is ask. Good luck, Tom

THANKS - that's awesome. Slight turn on the cap - a second to fix what we thought was a potentially large problem!! Thanks so much