My husband and I brought a 80 year old house last year. A couple weeks ago, we noticed a strong sewer smell near a drain pipe in the basement that services the kitchen sink, washer & dryer, and dishwasher. We saw that the cover plate was not sealed, so we sealed it, and we did not notice the smell anymore. Then a couple days ago, a loud sound came from the pipes when the toilet or tub on the 1st floor bathroom is used. These pipes are on the other side of the house from the previously mentioned pipe. It almost sounds like a drilling sound, and it goes away after a minute. It vibrates throughout the whole length of the pipe (the house is a 2 story house)! it does not happen all the time, just occassionally. Could this be air in the pipes & if so, how can we get rid of it, and does it have anything to do with the 1st pipe that we sealed or is that just a coincide? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
COMMUNITY FORUM
Normally a drilling sound is from a loose washer or a solenoid valve like a washing machine or dishwasher.
After listening some more, we determined that it was coming from the toilet. Everyrtime you flush, the noise comes. Could a loose washer or solenoid valve cause that loud of a noise? It is actually more of a jackhammering sound that lasts for a minute or so, and it resonates through the pipes. Could it be water hammer? If it is a loose solenoid vavle, where would I find it on the toilet?
A Quick closing valve like a toilet fill valve or a solenoid can cause this noise just like a loose washer.
Try closing the water supply slightly and see what happens
Try closing the water supply slightly and see what happens
"Sounds" like a different issue. (All puns intended).
A quick closing valve will can cause water hammer. That is a single loud bang, but it can be followed by several rattles if the piping is not tightly secured.
That is not what you are describing. You say that it last a minute.
I think that Sylan's orginal response was closer. Something loose in the water flow.
It is very common for the the fill valves to cause this, but in more typically they are a higher pitch squeal.
It might also be a loose washer in the toilet stop vavle.
Start by replacing the fill valve.
A quick closing valve will can cause water hammer. That is a single loud bang, but it can be followed by several rattles if the piping is not tightly secured.
That is not what you are describing. You say that it last a minute.
I think that Sylan's orginal response was closer. Something loose in the water flow.
It is very common for the the fill valves to cause this, but in more typically they are a higher pitch squeal.
It might also be a loose washer in the toilet stop vavle.
Start by replacing the fill valve.
