Last Updated on February 25, 2023
When the toilet fill valve shuts, the sudden stop of water flow can cause a shock wave that travels through the pipes, creating a loud banging noise known as a water hammer.
Over time, this can cause damage to your pipes, valves, and fittings. It’s essential to address water hammers to fix or prevent further damage and potential plumbing emergencies. To address the problem, the very first thing you need to do is check the water pressure.
In the solution to this problem, follow a few basic steps. Such as turning off the water supply, flushing thoroughly, checking for degradation of the fill valve, installing an anti-hammer device onto it, reinstalling, testing for remaining issues and calling a plumber if necessary.
As you already know the core steps, we have put together eight steps with detailed instructions that will explain to you how to stop the water hammer when your toilet fill valve closes.
How To Stop Water Hammer When Toilet Fill Valve Closes: Steps
Water hammer is a common issue that occurs when the water in pipes slams into a closed valve, causing a loud banging noise. This can be particularly noticeable when a toilet fill valve closes. If you’re experiencing this issue, follow these step-by-step instructions to resolve it:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The primary step to end water hammering is turning off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow. If you can’t spot the shut-off valve beneath the toilet, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
Step 2: Flush the Toilet
Once the water supply is turned off, flush the toilet to drain any remaining water in the tank and bowl. This will help remove any trapped air or debris that may be causing the water hammer.
Step 3: Check the Fill Valve
Inspect the toilet fill valve to make sure it is functioning properly. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the tank. If the valve is not working correctly, it can cause water hammering. If the fill valve is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 4: Remove the Toilet Fill Valve
Now, remove the toilet fill valve from the toilet tank. You can do this by unscrewing the nut that holds the fill valve in place and lifting the valve out of the tank.
Step 5: Install an Anti-Hammer Device
You can reduce the loud banging sound usually caused by sudden changes in water pressure by installing an anti-hammer device in a water supply line. There are two most common devices for this: air chambers and surge tanks. You only have to follow a few steps to install it.
- Drain the toilet tank and bowl.
- Remove the water supply line from the toilet tank with a wrench.
- Install an anti-hammer device onto the supply line.
- Reconnect the supply line to the toilet tank.
- Turn on the water supply and flush the toilet to test the anti-hammer device.
- Inspect for leaks and tighten or replace parts as needed.
Step 6: Reinstall the Toilet Fill Valve
Once the anti-hammer device is installed, reinsert the toilet fill valve into the tank and secure it in place with the nut. Make sure the valve is properly aligned and tightened.
Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply
Turn the water supply back on and let the toilet fill up. You should notice that the water hammer noise has been eliminated.
Step 8: Test the Toilet
To ensure that the water hammer has been completely resolved, flush the toilet a few times and listen for any banging or thudding noises. If the noise persists, you may need to install additional anti-hammer devices in your plumbing system.
Step 9. Call A Plumber
If you have tried all of these steps and your water hammer problem persists, it may be time to call a plumber. A professional plumber saves the day. They can quickly diagnose pesky plumbing problems and provide effective solutions like preventing water hammers when your toilet fill valve shuts off.
How To Diagnose Water Hammering In Toilets?
Diagnosing water hammering can help you quell its disruptive effects, allowing for more peaceful days and nights. So put on your detective hat and work finding those pesky culprits responsible for making all that noise.
01. Identifying the Source of the Problem
To analyze water hammering in toilets, first, listen for a loud banging or thumping sound coming from pipes in the walls when flushing or running water.
If this is heard, it means there is likely an issue with pipes being too close together, incorrectly installed shut-off valves, or poor plumbing design.
Look to see if any pipes are kinked or bent, and check if the shut-off valves are functioning correctly.
02. Conduct A Simple Test
To test the water hammer, turn on the sink faucet and then turn it off quickly. Listen for a banging noise from the pipes that could indicate water hammering. Turn on multiple faucets at once to see if the same noise is heard. If it is, then it’s likely an issue with the entire plumbing system instead of just one fixture.
03. Recognizing Signs Of Water Hammering
After conducting a test, observe what happens when water is run and turned on and off quickly; if there’s a banging noise that follows this action, then there’s likely an issue with water hammering present in the toilet system.
Check for any dripping or damp spots around pipe joints in walls, as this can also be a sign of water hammering caused by burst pipes due to excessive pressure buildup.
What Causes Water Hammering In Toilets?
Water hammering in toilets occurs when a sudden stop of water flow creates a loud and disruptive noise due to pressure changes affecting the pipes. This phenomenon can be caused by several factors, such as:
01. The Operation Of The Fill Valve
The primary cause of water hammering in toilets is a faulty fill valve. This type of valve, also known as a tank ball or float valve, controls the amount of water present in the tank by regulating the flow from the main water supply.
When the fill valve malfunctions, it can cause sudden increases and decreases in water pressure when flush cycles are initiated, resulting in a loud banging noise that is often referred to as a “water hammer.”
One of the most common problems with fill valves is that they become clogged with sediment over time and stop working correctly. They may become worn or damaged due to corrosion or general damage over time and cease to function properly.
02. Faulty Fill Valves
An issue can sometimes cause a faulty fill valve with your home’s water pressure. This can be a problem if your plumbing system doesn’t have proper pressure management. When incoming water pressure is too high, significant changes in pressure can occur when a flush cycle begins and ends.
This sudden change in force can produce those unsettling banging noises, particularly in the toilet tank. Properly set regulators on the main line are necessary to avoid dangerous and costly water pressure problems. Poorly adjusted regulators can lead to excessive/inadequate pressure levels and damage pipes and fixtures.
Installing a pressure-reducing valve near the entrance point of a property can address high-water pressure levels. It tailors water pressure and flow rate to each plumbing fixture and appliance, reducing the risk of damage due to excess water flow.
These valves reduce energy costs by improving efficiency. They are easy to install and require very little maintenance.
03. Water Pressure Problems
Water hammering in toilets occurs due to poor pipe installation during home construction or when remodeling. Sometimes when you flush the toilet, you might hear a loud banging noise that sounds like a hammer. This is called a “water hammer,” which can happen when pipes are not installed properly.
When too much water flows through the pipes quickly, they can vibrate against each other and make this sound. It’s similar to what you might hear at a construction site or factory where people use hammers to work with metal things.
Secure installation of pipes using hangers and struts for optimal performance. Prevent undesirable consequences from occurring. Ensure successful completion of post-installation stages without incident.
Say Goodbye to Water Hammer: Simple Solutions to Stop Noisy Toilet Fill Valve Closures
As we’ve seen, water hammering in toilets can be caused by malfunctioning valves or a pressure issue. Consider implementing one of the above solutions, such as a water hammer arrestor, pressure regulator, and many more.
Working through these steps mentioned overhead will give you peace of mind knowing that your home plumbing system remains in optimal condition without any faulty issues or hazardous risks standing in your way.
Stay informed by reading our other articles exploring topics on plumbing so you are armed with all the information necessary to conduct safe and proper repairs around your home.
