Why does my toilet make a train noise when I flush?
That loud train noise at the start of a flush is typically caused by a vibration or restriction in the water supply line or valve assembly that persists even after replacing standard parts like the fill valve, flapper, and seals. Because the sound continues regardless of new hardware and a clear vent stack, homeowners are left dealing with a startling racket every time they press the handle.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Replacing internal plumbing components such as the fill valve, flapper, tank seal, and wax ring
- 2Turning the individual toilet water valves to slow the refill.
- 3Putting styrofoam peanuts in the tank
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“In the video, you can hear as soon as I flush the toilet, it makes a "train" noise as my kids call it. It only happens at the beginning of the flush, and stops immediately after the bowl has emptied.”source ↗
“What's frustrating is I have already put in a brand new fill valve, flapper, tank seal/gasket, new wax ring, the vent stack is clear of obstructs, yet it still makes this sound.”source ↗
“It's very effective, but it is LOUD like an airplane lavatory.”source ↗
“You can feel it through the floor, and it makes my ears ring!”source ↗
“both of my toilets are doing the high pitched float valve skreeeee upon filling.”source ↗