Loud Plumbing Noises

[Peep]

Hey Everybody! I'm having some weird and very loud plumbing noises. It started with the toilet and now is basically throughout the house. Sorry for the description, but the noise sounds like a trombone--off key :( A few minutes ago, I was sitting outside on the patio and could hear the noise out there. There was no water running--washer, faucets, etc.. So I Googled and here I am asking for advice. I would appreciate any advice. This is my first time doing anything with home repair. May I ask that you put any advice into simple words? Thank you very much, Peep

[Charles Schuler]

As a flush valve begins to turn off, a trombone-like vibration is often heard.

[Speedy Jim]

You were on target with the toilet.

Certain brands of toilet tank fill valves will create a "fog horn" (trombone if you prefer:-) sound as the valve closes. The valve closure is actually a chattering which resonates with the rest of the plumbing in the house.

There are repair kits for those fill valves (ballcock) but the novice may be better off replacing the whole valve. Ask at a friendly hardware store or BigBox.

Jim

[andyrauer]

My house (plumbing??) makes the same sound, but it can be hours since anyone used any water, from any source. The sound was so loud, I initially thought there was some construction going on, right outside my house. The sounds last about 20 seconds, can happen any time of the day (usually twice a day), and "seems" to be the loudest from the basement, under the main floor bathroom. That's what makes me suspect the toilet. But again, it may have been hours since it was last used.

I'm going to try to catch the next noise event in time to flush the main floor toilet, and see if I get a reaction. Any other suggestion??

Thanks in advance

[Charles Struble]

Might try googlin' for water hammer. That's what the banging, groaning, etc. is called in plumbing