[Dr_Gonzo]

Ok here we go. When you flush one of the toilets in my house as soon as the water stops flowing to refill the toilet a very loud vibrating noise can be heard (it's been described as a foghorn). But the vibration will cut out if I turn on the kitchen sink. And the other toilet in the house when done refilling will cause the pipe to bang very loudly. Any help would be very much appreciated.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Dr. Gonzo...

Sounds like two different issues.

The foghorn sound is most likely sediment caught up in the fill valve of the toilet that will not allow the seal to to be made complete. The fact that the kitchen sink seems to calm things just compliments the fact because here the water pressure/volume is reduced as water follows path of least resistance and the toilet valve settles enough to fool you into thinking all is set when in fact water is probably still flowing past the fill valve... just quieter... ;)

You can clear the fill valve of sediment by shutting off the water supply to the toilet, removing the cap assembly and then lifting the inside washer and cleaning it. While the washer is out be sure to turn the water supply on to the fill valve for a second or two to flush/clear the fill valve of any other sediment. If that fails to fix the issue you may need to replace the washer.

Worst case, yet almost the simplest case would be to replace the fill valve altogether. With help I bet you could change this all out in 15 minutes!

I can give more specific info. If you tell me what the inside of your toilet tank looks like... see images. Top or bottom.. Let me know.

The other banging toilet leads me to suspect a water hammer issue... start by checking to see how well the pipes are hung that lead up to and including the toilet pipe. Loose pipes can cause issues, and so can pipes that have no room to expand...

Let us know what you think...

MARK

[Dr_Gonzo]

Thanks a lot for the help. Both toilets have a no chain flushing mech. I'll clear the fill valve and get back to you. As for the hammer I do believe it is a loose pipe as it does the same when I turn off the shower. Thanks again and I will keep you posted on how it turns out.

[speedball1]

[QUOTE][/And the other toilet in the house when done refilling will cause the pipe to bang very loudly.QUOTE] Like Mark sez, Water Hammer!
"Water hammer" happens when the water abruptly shuts off. You have at least 40 pounds of pressure pushing the water flow. The weight of the water hitting a 90 degree bend causes the sound that you hear. We put in air chambers to cushion the hammer much like the shocks on your car.
Back in the 60's we were required to to put air chambers on all bath lavatories and kitchen sinks. Over time water and condensate built up in them and they must be recharged. First turn off the house at the main house shut off valve. Then open hot and cold faucets at the farthest bathroom to prevent air lock.(This is important.) You will find under each fixture little brass or chrome valves. These are called angle stops. With a small pail held under the angle stop to catch the run off look under the handle of the stop and you will see a nut with the stem running through it. This is called the bonnet packing nut. Put your wrench on it and back it off counterclockwise. Now open the stop and remove the stem and washer assembly, The stop will began to drain. When it has quit draining reassemble the stop and move on to the next one. Do this on each one of your angle stops. There will be six of them in a two bath home. When you are done, close off the faucets you have opened, turn on the water to the house, and give yourself a pat on the back.
You have just recharged your air chambers and saved yourself a hefty service call bill. Hope this helps you out and thank you for rating my reply. TOM