Noisy Toilet
Do you have a toilet that keeps you awake all hours of the night?
Does it gurgle, run and even flush by itself? The fix can be very simple with no need to even purchase new parts. Just turn off the water supplied by the valve that is located just behind and usually to the lower left of the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain the tank and remove pressure from the waterline. Now remove the tank lid and look inside to find the flush valve. With the water still off, remove the top of the valve either by removing 3 screws or by turning counter clockwise to unlock the tabs.
There is a small rubber washer that seals the center waterway. That is normally the source of the problem. If the washer does not completely seal the hole, air and water will escape causing all kinds of annoying sounds. What keeps the washer from a complete seal is usually a little bit of sand or grit that is stuck in the valves water line. To remove it, simply place a cup over the hole in the valve. This will help to keep water from spilling all over the bathroom. Holding the cup in one hand, turn the water back on for a second.
The sand or grit should blow out of the line and your problem is solved. Shut the water off, clean the rubber washer, and reinstall the parts that were removed. When everything is back together, test the toilet several times. If there is still a problem, check the flapper at the bottom of the tank. Water may be escaping here. This too can sometimes be fixed easily with no need for new parts. Just lift the flapper and clean the bottom of it as well as the outlet that it closes on. Many times the cause of seepage is just scum that has built up and is preventing a proper seal.
Of course there are those times when you will need to replace parts that are defective and just can’t be fixed. These parts, much like the toilet itself, are available in different levels of quality and price ranges. If you don’t intend on having to replace the toilet any time soon, buy a quality part. Even though it may cost twice as much as the inexpensive one on the same shelf, it will be well worth the peace of mind.
