Many people describe the noise from the toilet as singing, which is usually a whining sound that occurs when water is restricted from entering the toilet. This can be pretty annoying since you do not see the issue, but you hear it and do not know what to do. So, what causes the singing in the toilet, and what can you do to fix it?
The most common reason for a singing toilet is a closed small valve, which is a component in the toilet tank that regulates tank filling. When the small valve is completely closed the water cannot enter the toilet, so it produces a singing sound. This is usually fixed by cleaning the debris from the toilet components, or by replacing the valve.
Toilet singing is a common occurrence in bathrooms, so you do not have to panic since you might fix the issue by yourself. Here, we will discuss how you can stop the singing in your toilet by just incorporating simple methods. However, we will also talk about situations in which you might need a professional plumber, so keep reading to discover the problem you have with your toilet.
What Causes Toilet Singing?
Many homeowners have reported a problem with their toilet by describing it as a singing noise coming from it. Generally, the singing sound is heard when there is a vibrating, humming, or whistling noise after flushing the toilet. This noise is usually produced by the small valve – a minor component in the toilet tank that is responsible for regulating the tank filling.
Even though this is a small component, it plays an essential role in the work of a toilet. It is also known as the ballcock unit that operates with the flush valve and enables the water to flow from the tank to the bowl. However, when this flow is interrupted, that means that some of the components are not working right.
Although some issues are more common than others, you should always take into consideration all of the possibilities. Some of the issues can be resolved really easily and simply, while others may require help from a professional plumber. Below, you will see the most common issues that cause the toilet to sing.
| Cause | Fix |
| Closed small valve | Partially open the valve |
| Broken ballcock rubber washers | Replace the washers |
| Dirty components | Clean the debris |
Closed Small Valve
Usually, a closed small valve is one of the most common issues that may cause the toilet to sing. When the small valve is closed, that means that the water flow is obstructed, so the water from the toilet tank cannot reach the toilet bowl. While this might sound complicated, it actually comes with the easiest solution.
Namely, there are only several steps you need to take in order to fix the valve in a short amount of time.
- Inspect the shut-off valve for your toilet and make sure that it is completely open.
- Turn the valve to close it off.
- Turn the valve in another direction to open it entirely.
- Flush the toilet to check whether the singing will continue.
Broken Ballcock Rubber Washers
If the valve is not the problem, then you should look for the issue elsewhere. Namely, you should look into the flush valve or the refill valve. These two valves enable the operation of the whole toilet, i.e. they allow the water to come from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl.
When the flush valve and the refill valve are working properly, you will not hear or see any issues after flushing the toilet. However, when one of these is broken, the water is restricted from entering the toilet bowl.
Usually, the problem is with the rubber washers that become dry and split over time. This will signify that they need to be replaced. Rubber washers can be purchased in hardware stores, meaning that you do not need a professional plumber. Nonetheless, if you do not have time to deal with replacing them, it will be easier to leave it to the professionals since they have these kinds of components at all times.
Dirty Components
Sometimes, your toilet might be producing a singing sound, but you will notice that all of the components are in order. When everything seems perfect in the ballcock unit, you should consider checking for debris on the components. Usually, when small parts are dirty, they do not function as you expect them to do.
The following steps will help you get rid of the debris found in the ballcock unit:
- Turn the shut-off valve entirely to the right.
- Place a towel beneath the tank, so you can reach any small amounts of water.
- Run water through the entire tank to clean out debris.
- Use a nylon scrub pad to wipe around the tank, including its bottom.
Once you get rid of the debris, you will probably get rid of the singing sound of the toilet as well. Make sure that you flush the toilet after you finish cleaning to see whether the removal of debris has helped.
When Should You Call A Professional Plumber For Help?
When checking out your toilet, you might notice that all of the components are dry, dirty, and beyond repair. If all of the components of the ballcock unit seem broken, you may need to replace the whole unit. In this case, it is advisable that you call a professional plumber because it might be quite difficult to replace the unit by yourself.
On the other hand, sometimes, it might seem that all of the components are clean and functional, but you still hear the singing noise of the toilet. When there is no obvious cause for the singing and humming of the toilet, it is better to have a professional plumber inspect it. This way you will be sure what is causing your toilet to sing, and you will definitely avoid creating greater damage to your toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Ballcock Unit?
On average, you will need $75 to $200 for the repair of a ballcock unit. This usually depends on the time a plumber spends working on the repairs and replacements.
Are Toilet Singing And Toilet Bubbling produced by the same causes?
When there is a bubbling sound coming from your toilet, that usually means that there is some kind of air pressure in the drain pipes. This air pressure is usually produced by a clog. When you get rid of the clog, you will get rid of the bubbling sound as well.
How To Determine When The Ballcock Unit Needs A Replacement?
If your water does not shut off after flushing, that means that the ballcock needs a replacement. Usually, this is followed by strange and unpleasant sounds coming from the toilet tank.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, toilet singing is a common occurrence and a regular issue in many households. Make sure that you check your ballcock unit thoroughly in order to determine what is wrong with it. Hopefully, our article has answered all of your questions concerning toilet singing, so now you can solve the issue with yours.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.