Question: I have a question concerning water pipe noise that you might be able to help me with. Whenever I run water in the house and then turn it off, I hear a high-pitched tone that goes on for about 5 seconds before going away. I tried turning off the water supply to the toilets and then turning on and off the water at a faucet and get the same problem, so I don’t think it is a problem with the toilets. Also, flushing a toilet does not cause the sound when the toilet tank stops filling. Only turning a faucet off in any room of the house. The sound seems loudest in the wall behind the room where the water meter is located. Have you guys heard of this problem before?
Answer: Recently two Woodchucks reported that a hissing or low whistling noise started in their homes. One thought it was an electrical sound, but after checking each electrical appliance, found nothing. He then noticed that when he turned on the water in the bathroom sink or the shower, the sound stopped. He then turned off the main water valve to the house. This also stopped the noise. Since turning off the water to the house was not an acceptable solution he kept looking.
In the master bathroom the noise seemed to be the loudest. He removed the cover to the toilet tank and wiggled the water fill valve. The noise stopped. He could start or stop the noise by moving this valve. Apparently, some scale had built up on the inlet orifice which held the valve slightly open and caused the noise.
This valve is sealed, so the orifice can’t be cleaned, but the toilet tank fill valve and flapper replacement parts are inexpensive at about $10, and relatively easy to install. There is an instruction sheet with the replacement parts.
We have also found a similar noise can be generated by a faulty flapper valve in the toilet tank. The above kit contains a new flapper that will fix this problem also.
Here is how to change the fill valve, which is mounted in the tank:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The shutoff valve is located on the left side of the toilet and in between the bottom of the tank and the floor.
2. Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet with the water supply off, allowing the tank to empty. Use a rag to push the remaining water out of the tank drain located in the center of the tank and just beneath the rubber floating flapper.
3. Remove the fill valve and float from inside the tank.
4. Identify the fill valve and float from the kit for installation. It’s about 16 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, it has a float that pivots up and down on one end and a rubber washer and white, threaded nut on the other. Unscrew the nut, remove the washer and insert the threaded end through the 1-inch hole on the far left of the tank. Reapply the black, rubber washer and tighten the threaded nut against the tank.
5. Reattach the water supply line located between the left corner of the tank, where the float and cock valve are attached, and the floor. Turn the water valve on and allow the tank to refill. Check for leaks in the water supply connection and at the connection between the tank and the seat.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
