Reasons Why Your Toilet Might Be Squealing

It can be frustrating to have a squealing toilet, especially if you have visitors or you have never experienced something of this kind before. Some toilets continue producing that loud noise even after they have flushed and filled up the tank. Squealing toilets will not only cause you discomfort but can also result in to increase in water bills if not handled on time. This article highlights the reasons for squealing toilets and the solution.

Faulty fill valve

A faulty or old valve can cause a squealing sound on your toilet. A toilet tank (a bowl on the back of your toilet, which holds water used to flush the toilet) is fitted with a fill valve. The function of the fill valve is to regulate the amount of water that gets into the tank after flushing. The valve has a float that either rises or falls with water inside a toilet tank.

The valve opens when the float falls, thus allowing the water to get into the tank. The valve closes once the water reaches the preset level, thus preventing more water from getting in.

According to the pink plumber, a squealing sound after flushing the toilet or haphazardly during the night is normally said to be a result of a defective fill valve. The internal parts of a fill valve deteriorate as it ages. Note that the diaphragm gasket in the fill valve can lose elasticity, wear down and harden. The deterioration leads to the squealing sound in your toilet.

A faulty valve can also result in the vibration of the entire tank. To confirm that the noise results from a faulty fill valve, you can remove the toilet tank lid and slowly lift the float arm. The noise will definitely stop if the fill valve is the cause. The solution to this problem is the repair or replacement of the fill valve.

If the Valve Fails to Shut Off

The squealing noise may also occur if the fill valve fails to shut off at the appropriate time. You can solve this by adjusting the float arm to a lesser level inside the toilet tank. To make adjustments, you should locate the float inside the toilet tank. There are different types of floats. A cylinder float and a float ball are some examples. A cylinder float is normally attached to the body of the fill valve.

The float ball, on the other hand, is attached to the rod’s end. If your toilet has a cylinder float, you should squeeze the adjustable clip found on the side to lower the float down and ensure the water has stopped running.

You need to turn the screw in an anti-clockwise direction for a float ball until the water ceases running. After these adjustments, you should flush the toilet and see if the issue has been solved. Note that the adjustment will not solve the issue if the valve is damaged or worn out.

Calcium deposits

Calcium deposits may also make your toilet produce a squealing noise. If you notice a squealing sound when your toilet tank is filling up, and the noise stops once the tank is full, chances are there is a calcium buildup. People who live in areas that use hard water are more likely to experience calcium buildup. According to beehive plumbing, the squealing sound occurs when the buildup prevents the flow of water.

If you are not sure of calcium buildup, you can check the outer fittings of the toilet. White deposits indicate the presence of calcium. Calcium buildup can clog up the pipes leading to strange sounds. To eliminate the calcium buildup, you can hire a professional to clean your pipes using mineral deposits and calcium.

Water pressure

If you hear the squealing sound when the water is flowing, it could result from water pressure. When water flows rapidly through an obstruction or small openings, it can cause vibrations. The vibrations can cause the emission of squealing sound if there is a loose area or section. Therefore, if the small pipe passing water to your toilet tank is not large enough to accommodate the water pressure, you will likely hear the squealing sound.

The water pressure to any home should normally range between 40 to 80 PSI. Squealing sounds may develop if the pressure is higher than this. You can solve this issue by regulating the water pressure in your home using a pressure regulator.

Restricted water flow

Your toilet tank may also emit a squealing sound if the water flow to the refill valve is restricted. Your tank may not be receiving enough water if the major shutoff valve attached to the toilet is partially closed.

Ensure that the main shutoff valve to your toilet is completely open. If the valve is open and there is still water restriction, the chances are that the washers are covered with scale buildup or are damaged. You can solve the issue of water restriction by troubleshooting the ballcock assembly.

If your toilet bowl stops draining suddenly or drains slowly when you flush, the chances are that your refill line is blocked or your toilet is clogged. Check to see if the float ball has cracks and replace it with a new one.

You should also replace the washers in the ballcock if they are damaged. If the squealing sound continues, try oiling the trip level that triggers the refill valve. Additionally, you can disassemble the ballcock assembly, clean every part, and then reassemble. If the toilet still emits the squealing sound after all this, then the entire ballcock may be damaged, and the only solution for this is a replacement.

A faulty or worn flapper

A toilet flapper is a valve that separates the water in the toilet tank from the water in the toilet bowl. The faulty or worn-out flapper can make toilets produce squealing noises when not in use. A faulty flapper will periodically cause water to leak from the tank to the bowl. This will not only result in noises but can also increase your water bill drastically. It is possible to solve most issues associated with the squealing sound. However, you should look for a professional to help you fix the issue if you have tried the tips mentioned above and failed.

You can also read:

• Why Does Water Make a Red Ring in the Toilet Bowl?
• A Complete Guide on How to Clean a Toilet Tank
• How To Clean a Toilet with Pumice Stone
• What Should You Do About Flushing the Toilet with Frozen Pipes?
• What Should You Put In a Guest Room Toiletries Basket?