Q. How do I stop my toilet from whistling? I can’t figure out where the noise is coming from.
Terry Ryan
A. If the flapper valve is worn, it could whistle when it vibrates as the water rushes through it, said Don Van Cura Sr. of Don Van Cura Construction Co. in Chicago.
When the toilet lever is tripped, a chain or vinyl string lifts the flapper valve allowing the water to empty out of the tank. The old valves are generally simple and reliable, but the valve seat, a rubber washer, does sometimes deteriorate in the water.
It’s usually cheaper to replace the whole ball valve, instead of replacing one part of it. To get started, simply turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then either take a picture of the valve or remove the old valve and bring it to a plumbing supply company, Van Cura said.
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