Like you, many people out there hear fog horn noise when flushing the toilet every now and then. After pressing the flush switch, the flushing system should work naturally with the typical sound.
It gives you an indication your toilet is working properly.
But if it makes any unnatural sound like fog horn noise, there must be something wrong inside it. The ballcock of the toilet might be damaged, or the valve or faucet washer has become loose or worn out.
Let’s see why fog horn noise occurs and how to fix this problem.
Why Fog Horn Occurs When Flushing Toilet?
Unlike other bathroom accessories, modern flushing toilets require minimal care. If something unnatural happens to them, they are easy to figure out.
When your toilet flushes louder than usual, there might be something wrong. So, what can be the main culprit of this problem? Let’s learn the possible causes.
- Damaged Metal Ballcock
Have you noticed whether the metal ballcock is okay or not? If it is damaged, it can cause foghorn noise in house.
If you did not change it for an extended period, this might be the main culprit. Quickly addressing the issue is necessary to fix it soonest to avoid severe damage in the future.
- Loose Washer
A toilet washer is supposed to stay in a tight position. If it doesn’t, you are more likely to hear loud sounds while flushing the toilet.
- Loose Toilet Fill Valve
Have you noticed whether your toilet fill valve is properly tightened or not? Apart from making noisy sounds, you should check if the toilet is flushing the waste properly.
- Weaker Rubber Seal
There is a rubber seal in the flush valve washer. It becomes weaker over time due to cracking or loosening the seal.
- Vent Problems
Sometimes, the problem could be inside the vents. When it is highly clogged, it can release pressure, which causes the foghorn noise.
- A Dirty Ballcock
Have you checked whether there are any debris and dirt inside the ballcock? If yes, you should properly clean it.
When you have not been cleaning the ballcock for a long time, dirt will likely build up. Don’t forget to turn off the water supply line before eliminating dirt and debris.
How To Fix Toilet That Is Making Fog Horn Noise?
Since fog horn noise in your toilet system may pop up for different reasons, you have first to figure out the main cause and choose a solution according to it.
Items that Are Required
- New fill valve
- Screwdriver
- Fill valve washer
- Adjustable pliers
Now that you have everything you need, follow these steps carefully:
- Open The Tank & Check Washer
At first, uncover the toilet tank. Flush the toilet system properly. If you notice the toilet fill valve is making an excessive sound, put out the float ball in the upper area of the tank.
If you don’t hear any noise now, the washer has become loose or damaged inside the ballcock system.
- Inspect The Fill Valve
Now, locate the fill valve and try to see its three screws from the upper area. If they are noticeable, a seal is compromised or damaged for the fill valve.
Disassembling the valve is simple. But make sure to switch off the toilet water supply line before detaching it. Also, put out all water from the toilet tank by flushing it.
- Install New Flush Valve (If Needed)
Now, get a screwdriver. Use it to loosen the three screws. Remove the screws carefully. Next, take out the ball from the tank.
Also, you have to detach the upper part of the flush valve as well as the armature of the toilet.
Locate to the bottom area of the flush valve and remove it through a slight force.
Now, get the new flush valve. Install it properly. Switch on the water supply line to see whether it is still making any unnatural sounds or not.
- Replace Fill Valve
Are you still noticing the sound? Have you checked whether the fill valve is not sealed properly? If not, you have to replace the fill valve too.
Turn off your water supply line. Remove all the remaining water from the toilet tank by flushing it. You can utilize a sponge to remove the small amount of water.
Now, follow from steps 5:
- Step 5
Now, locate the below area of the toilet tank to detach the hose of water supply from the toilet valve connector.
Get your adjustable pliers. Use it to loosen the valve locknut. Remove the screws from the valve locknut and take out the worn-out valve from the tank.
- Step 6
Adjust the fill level of the new valve properly. By following the manufacturer’s instructions, you can make the task more hassle-free.
Enter the new valve in your toilet tank. Don’t forget to tighten each screw of the locknut properly. You can use your pliers to do the task conveniently.
- Step 7
Finally, locate the below area of the toilet tank to tighten the screws of the water hose and connect it from the connector to the new valve.
Now, you can switch on your main water supply. Make sure to refill the toilet tank properly. Make an adjustment to increase the water level just below the upper area of the overflow tube.
How To Fix Water Hammer When Flushing Toilet
If you face a water hammer issue while flushing the toilet, this problem should be treated immediately to prevent further issues. Followings are the steps to follow:
- Firstly, switch off the main water supply line.
- Locate to each cold water faucet one by one and open them. Initially, begin with the top tap, located on the upper floor. Finally, work on the lower faucet, situated on the ground floor area.
- Remove water from the toilet tank by flushing it.
- Get rid of water from the open faucets too, by draining them. Wait for half an hour.
- Now, switch on the main water supply line.
- Wait for 10-15 minutes and let the faucets develop a powerful stream and flow water.
- Again, locate each cold water faucet one by one and open them. Initially, begin with the lower faucet, situated on the ground floor. Finally, work on the upper faucet, which is located in the upper floor area.
- Let the toilet tank automatically refill.
- After refilling the toilet tank and closing all cold-water faucets, press the flush button to see whether the flushing system is making any sound or not.
If you are still experiencing water hammer issues from the flushing system, you can check these tips.
- Locate to the shut-off valves and decrease its flow gradually.
- If your toilet system doesn’t have any regulated fill valve, get an intact toilet fill valve and replace it properly. This will can you to adjust the water flow more efficiently.
- If the problem still shows up, it is better to hire a professional plumber to solve it quickly.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering about fog horn noise when flushing toilet? We have already mentioned what causes this problem and the best methods to solve this issue.
If you are not good at handling plumbing tasks, it is better to hire a professional plumber as you have damaged components instead of fixing them.
However, the above guidelines are enough to correct the problem with basic plumbing knowledge.
