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    grandmamma's Avatar
    grandmamma Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 24, 2012, 03:04 PM
    Elephant in the pipes?
    Help! My daughter's 20 year old, 3 level townhome has an elephant in the pipes! The 3rd. Floor toilet currently does not work and is shut off. The lower level toilet works fine. The problem is with the main level toilet. For about one month, immediately after flushing and lasting until the tank fills up again, there is a hideous, loud, almost shreiking, groaning sound that can be heard throughout the whole house. It really does sound like a sick elephant! BTW this toilet is only about two years old and has never had any problems until now. Any advice greatly appreciated!
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 24, 2012, 03:29 PM
    Hi Grandmamma

    Most likely the toilet FILL VALVE has something stuck in under the washer and it's causing the noise/vibration (elephant) you are hearing.

    You can view this video to see how to access the washer or to replace the entire fill valve:



    Otherwise, the issue is at the toilet angle shutoff... similar issue in that something might be stuck/vibrating and causing your issue. To fix this, the shutoff washer would need to be accessed and removed/replaced.

    Let us know what you think, OK?

    Mark
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 24, 2012, 03:34 PM
    You have a defective washer in either the fill valve or the stop valve underneath the toilet tank. Remove the toilet tank lid and tell us which type of fill valve you have.
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    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Mar 24, 2012, 05:02 PM
    My bet's on door #1. If you don't wish to replace the ball cock then answer Harolds question and we'll tell you how to get that elephant out of your bath room. Back to you, Tom
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