Why Does My Toilet Whistle After Flushing? – 3 Reasons

Written by

Paulk Webb

FACT-CHECKED BY

Freddie J. Hagopian

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why does my toilet whistle after flushing

Sometimes, a toilet sounds like a tea kettle when you flush it, and any whistling sound it produces is undoubtedly troubling.

One of the many questions you will likely have in such a situation is “Why does my toilet whistle after flushing?” Worry no more, this article got the answers!

Restricted water flow, a fill valve not working properly, or a broken fill valve is among the causes of the toilet whistle sound you hear when you flush your toilet.

What Causes a Toilet to Whistle?

toilet-whistles-when-flushed

Reason #1: Restricted Water Flow

Water flow is a critical component of a toilet and systematically facilitates a toilet’s flushing process. So, when the flow is disrupted, it can cause several toilet issues, such as producing a whistling sound when flushing.

It is very likely that the valve for the water supply is shut off when this occurs. This particular valve is near the ground and adjacent to the wall making it easily accessible. Children can easily play with it by turning it off, completely restricting the flow of water.

To fix whistling toilet problem with this cause, reach for the water supply valve and turn it counterclockwise to enable full water flow when you flush your toilet.

Reason #2: The Fill Valve is Not Working Properly

Suppose that the valve for the water supply is activated and left open and yet you still hear your toilet whistles when flushed, then most likely the fill valve is not working properly.

A fill valve, a sizable plastic component within the toilet tank, regulates water flow. Over time, mineral debris clumps up around the fill valve, and when left unattended, it results in reduced water flow, consequently making your toilet whistle.

When you confirm that the toilet whistle sound is caused by the filthy fill valve, clean it by wiping away any mineral deposits it has accumulated with a damp cloth.

Reason #3: Fill Valve is Damaged

The components keeping a fill valve together start to deteriorate as it ages. And when this happens, it starts to vibrate when you flush. Subsequently, when the vibration spreads to the armature and ball, a toilet makes whistling noise.

To fix a toilet fill valve whistling problem, the best course of action is to get a new fill valve. Most brand-new valves are made entirely of plastic, which keeps them from whistling.

How Do You Fix a Whistling Toilet Flush?

toilet-whistle-sound

If the valve is damaged, you should replace it to stop the whistling toilet sound produced.

The process of having a fill valve replaced needs only a few resources and a handful of simple procedures. By performing this task yourself rather than calling a plumber, you might be able to save money.

  • A new fill valve
  • Sponge
  • Bucket
  • Channel pliers

Step 1: Preliminary Procedures

You should disable the water supply of your toilet by rotating the valve handle for it counterclockwise.

Then, drain the toilet’s tank by flushing it. After that, you can access the tank’s inner area and with a sponge, blot up any water that is still present.

Step 2: Have the Fill Valve of your Toilet Removed

Use your channel pliers to unplug the water supply tube.

Then, get rid of the mounting nut securing the fill valve’s bottom flange to the tank’s bottom by loosening it.

Step 3: Get the New Fill Valve Ready

Attach the rubber washer to the fill valve tailpiece’s bottom flange to avoid leaks at the fill valve’s base.

If necessary, fine tune the fill valve’s height by screwing the stem piece at an appropriate length to make the fill valve fit within the toilet tank.

The upper portion of the fill valve must be just a little bit higher than the overflow tube. Make sure that at this height, the lid of the tank can still be closed.

Step 4: Set up the New fill valve

With the tailpiece inserted through the tank’s bottom aperture, install the fill valve in the toilet tank.

The valve’s placement should guarantee that the water outflow nipple is at the front of the overflow tube of the tank.

Using your channel pliers, secure the mounting nut on the tailpiece located underneath the toilet.

Also, still with the help of your channel pliers, have the water supply tubing and fill valve reattached to one another.

Step 5: Attach the Fill Valve and Calibrate it

One nipple above the fill valve should be connected to the rubber fill tube.

The tubing’s opposite end should be attached to the metal or plastic adaptor, which should then be clipped to the overflow tube’s top.

In accordance with the instructions provided by the valve’s manufacturer, open the valve for the water supply and fill the toilet’s tank with water only as high as necessary.

Step 6: Checking

Check your toilet tank for leaks at any point; if there are any, make the appropriate adjustments. And, make sure to see whether the whistling sound disappears after flushing your toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions

toilet-whistling

How Much Does the Repair Cost?

A fill valve could cost between $20 and $45. If you want to replace it on your own, you will only have to spend money on it, assuming that you already have the other necessary tools needed at your home.

For instance, if a Kohler toilet whistles due to a damaged fill valve and you want it replaced, it could cost you around $25.

On the other hand, if you hire a plumber to carry out the task for you, the total cost of the components and labor may range from $75 to $200.

What does it mean when your toilet whistles after you flush it?

If you wondered, “Why does my toilet whistle when I flush it?”; the answer could be that the valve for the water supply is left closed, weakening the water supply due to debris accumulated around the fill valve or a damaged fill valve.

Do you need to hire a plumber?

Indeed, a whistling toilet can be fixed without calling a plumber, as doing so won’t require much technical work.

Videos on youtube can be great guides for you to fix it on your own. However, if you lack the confidence and capacity to fix it on your own, it would be wise to contact a plumber.

Conclusion

Some people would be alarmed by a whistling toilet, while others might brush it off and not deem a whistling toilet is dangerous. However, there is more to it than just the unsettling kettle-like sound that would persuade you to replace it right away.

When left as it is, a whistling toilet can cause increased water usage which also raises utility rates. Therefore, if you encounter this issue, don’t just ask, “Why does my toilet whistle after flushing?”; get it fixed right away to prevent having to pay more for it.

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