I own a duplex, up and down. The toilet upstairs has recently started making a whirring noise that I can hear downstairs, but the tenants upstairs state they cannot hear it. The upstairs bathroom has been completely remodeled, it is only one year old, which includes a new toilet and all new plumbing in the wall.
What can cause a whirring noise in the toilet?

Gosh, I'd have to look at what kind of "ballcock" is in the tank. I have no idea.
Are there kinds that are better than others?

Is the whirring happening while in use, while flushing, and/or while idle?

While in use. Then as it gets towards the end of filling, the whirring gets softer and softer until it stops completely.

My first guess is that the tank refill is what's making that sound. Okay, that sounds like a restate of the obvious.

What I mean is that pipes may be in direct contact with the framing structure which can resonate sounds which can make a whirring sound in your lower level.

Is there any access where you can investigate and cushion the water feed line in anyway?

Do you think that would happen after a year? That noise didn't start happening until just this week and that bathroom remodel happened January 2008.
So, something with the tank refill is what it sounds like. Because it stops after it's full, right?
Hmmmmm...

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate that, I will investigate further.

Something seems 'up' with the line. Either it's touching something so you hear it and since the tennants don't I have to believe the pipes are now settled a bit and touching something. Perhaps your floor/ceiling joist?

If there's a working relationship you could even have the tenant lift the supply line slightly at their wall if possible. Flush and see if it sounds the same.

Does the sound occur while other water sources run? Shower, tub, sink?

Which ballcock do you have? (see images) Regards, Tom

I believe it's just the toilet. I'll have to try and listen to see if it's when other things are running in the bathroom.
I'm going to have the tenants look at the line for the toilet and jiggle it to see if anything is up with it.
Awesome! Thank you so much for that! I really appreciate that. What a great service? Happy Holidays!

I meant, 'What a great service!', not, 'What a great service?'
Thanks again!

Which ballcock do you have? (see images) Regards, Tom

It sounds like you have problem with your fill valve, please answer Tom's question and we will go from there, Thanks.

John

A wurrh sound a hiss sound can develop if your toilet tank fill valve fills slowly as it gets older. To experience turn on your hose or sink real slow that's on that line if you have a basement listen to your water line. Copper is louder than plastic

First lets fix your problem then we will tell you which one is good, please look inside the tanks and tell us which one you got and we will tell you how to fix it I hope you will be able to fix it with out replaceing the fill valve, Thanks.

John

There is only one way a water line can make noise. When water pressure changes in a pipe because of it being used slow leak or making it active opening it up. There is only two ways a toilet can make noise. Flushing and filling. The fill valve inside the tank can sss or wherr or water hammer when the tank fills. This sound can be louder and resonate if the pipe is to loose and or against a soild object as it fills. When filling a tank the diphragm ( in the tank))is depressed and the fill valve is open at full or its most open point. When the tank is almost full the tank fill diafram slowlys closes and restrict the water that's still trying to push past the fill diaphragm valve. This is that sshhh sound on the last couple of seconds before it closes fully. Now if the tank fills very slowly from the get go . Replace the whole guts that fills the tank. About a $10.00 item. Or just replace it. Remember there is between 50 to 60 psi in a average waterline. Some tiolets fill valves will sshhh when the flapper slowlys leaks and the tank does a short quick refill. Hope it helps.

Hello Rocketmail,

Waiting on you to respond to Tom"s (speedball1) question, it may be a very easy fix, I don't think that you have any problem with your water pressure, your problem is with your fill will or may be with your flapper valve, I bet on the fill valve and you may not need to replace it can be fixed if you are lucky and Tom is watching us, Thanks.

Regards,
John

My bet's on the float ball ballcock! And 21boat, Flush valves use diphragms while ballcocks use washers. Cheers, tom

Yes Tom I agree with you lets wait on his respond, Thanks.

Best Regards,
John

Whether it's a gate valve, ball valve, ballcock or diphrahms , breaking open a line under good pressure and restricting it while it flows through can make sound. I wonder if the little black fillhose not clipped on and sparys the inside of the tank. Thank Guys

Quote:

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I wonder if the little black fillhose not clipped on and sparys the inside of the tank.

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I'm going to hafta assume that Rocket has at least pulled the lid and checked the connections. Rocket! If you have a ballcock like this one,(see image)turn off the water to the tank and remove the three screws on top of the ballcock. Pull the float ball, washer and stem assembly up. Pull the washer out and turn it over. Seat in in firmly. Now place a pan over the open ballcock and turn the water on for a few seconds to flush out the supply. Reassemble band test. Better now? Good luck and thanks for rating my answer. Tom