Does your toilet make a noise like a jackhammer after a toilet flush every time or all of a sudden! Then you should read the whole post because I will disclose why there is a jackhammer sound after toilet flush and how you can solve the issue. Is this any serious issue!
Before jumping to the solution, know the cause, please…
Why does it sound like a jackhammer when I flush the toilet?
The toilet is a mysterious and simple mechanism at the same time. Sometimes it creates weird noise too or overflowing and so on.
But the Cause of Jackhammer while flush is…
No1 Cause: Water hammer can be due to air in the pipes or excess water pressure.
No2 Cause: Water hammer is caused by quick changes in the velocity of moving water. The source of the change in velocity is usually sharp edges within the plumbing, such as a flapper valve in an old toilet tank.
No3 Cause: Water hammer is the banging, clanging, and rattling of pipes when you turn off the water at a faucet or valve. It’s especially disconcerting when you are taking a shower.
How to fix water hammer Sound After Flush the Toilet!
If you’ve ever had the pipes in your house rattle and bang and knock and hammer, then you may have experienced what’s called water hammer.
The remedy is to install a unique air cushion chamber on the main water supply line. The chamber is inexpensive and easy to do, but first, you must find the main water supply line.
To do that, turn off every faucet and valve in the house. Look for the main water shut-off valve. It is likely to be near the street on the side of your house where the water meter is.
The mainline is probably a 3/4 inch iron pipe. If you can’t find the main turn-off valve, look outside in the yard near the water meter for a 3/4 inch iron pipe leading from the water meter to your house, and follow it inside.
It’s most likely to be a flexible metal pipe, often black. You may need a flashlight and a helper to find the mainline.
How do you stop the water jackhammer sound after toilet flush?
The most typical way the problem is solved is to install a water hammer arrestor. Most plumbing supply stores and home centers carry these devices.
This device will absorb the excess pressure that builds up in the pipe when you turn off the water quickly. It does this by adjusting the air pressure inside the device.
When enough pressure builds up, it will be released into the system. In many matters, this is required to address the water hammer issue.
These devices are available in a variety of models for different applications.
Suppose you have tried installing a water hammer arrestor on the line, and it did not solve the issue. In that case, you may require a plumber’s attention.
Suppose it is not possible to get professional assistance. In that situation, the next best option is to install a drain valve at the water heater’s outlet. Most plumbing supply stores and home centers carry these devices.
These devices are not designed to solve the problem but rather to reduce its severity when it does occur. When you turn off the water supply to the heater, this valve will be opened and allow some of the water to drain out.
This way, when the water suddenly enters the tank, it will have already lost some of its velocity. Even though this does not solve the problem, it can reduce the severity of the water hammer to no longer be an issue.
Another alternative that can be considered is to install a flow regulator on the water lines. These devices will limit the amount of water that can be used at any given time.
When someone flushes a toilet, pulls down the handle on a sink, or turns off a faucet, the flow regulator will sense it and turn off the water supply.
If someone tries to turn on the water again, it will be turned on slowly. This will also reduce the severity of the problem.
Why do my pipes sound like a jackhammer?
Pipes banging and thumping makes for a very unpleasant, even stressful, experience in your home. So it can come as no wonder that homeowners are always seeking ways to get rid of the problem.
The good thing is that you can take steps to reduce the noise, but whatever you do, don’t start digging.
Before you begin any construction project, it’s best to contact your local utility companies and inform them of what you have planned. And if you intend to have any digging or excavation done, hire a licensed and insured professional, so you will know the job will get done right and safely.
Let’s start with your water heater:
The most common reason for banging pipes is a loose-fitting connection at the appliance. If you have copper tubing, unscrew the connection to see if that’s the problem.
If you have galvanized water lines, look for corrosion. The problem could also be your water pump. Fasten the pressure-relief valve that’s located on top of the water heater with a metal clamp, using sheet metal screws.
Kinked or too-tight hoses can be another source of noise. If you have any kinked water lines on the hot-water side, try to straighten them out or replace them.
If you have a washing machine or dishwasher with a hose that has a section that’s too tight, try to loosen it. If you have a hose on the faucet, make sure there’s enough slack in it.
A hose that’s too tight can also produce banging noises; if you hear them, loosen the clamp at the coupling.
Water hammer is another cause of banging pipes. It can happen when you turn off the water after using a tap or closing a valve.
To fix it, install an air chamber. A tee fitting with a cap inserted between the water-supply riser (it brings water to the plumbing fixtures) and the shutoff valves will work. If the pressure is overly high, you can add a pressure regulator to control it.
If you have pipes banging when you flush the toilet, check to see if there’s a water supply line going to it. If so, make sure it’s not too tight.
Pipes that knock or clank can have loose, corroded connections or damaged pipe straps. Make sure there are no damp areas on the pipe, such as an underground water line.
If you see any damp areas or a crack in the pipe, you should have it repaired or replaced.
Frost heaves can cause pipe noises and the ground to shift and settle if you live in a cold area. If you have to dig, hire a professional.
Whatever the issue is with your banging pipes, don’t try to fix it yourself if you don’t have the requisite skills or tools.
Now you know the reasons behind the jackhammer sound after toilet flush and how to solve it.
