Is PigletJohn about?

[Bettyhatesavocados]

I saw a link to some step-by-step instructions for replacing parts on a noisy toilet (foghorn/ vibration noises after flushing) by PigletJohn on an old thread. The page the link took me to had been removed, probably cos the thread was from a while ago. I know in the same thread that PigletJohn said UK toilets are different from US toilets (and all YT vids seems to be US, really). Sometimes the noise is minimal and rarely it's not there, but other times it's pretty bad.I know PigletJohn said it was usually something fixable without a plumber, hopefully.
If you're about PigletJohn, or anyone else knowledgeable in this area can chip in, it'd be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Giving a helpful shout. You need to @ to get a notification sent to @PigletJohn
He is knowledgeable about many things, I would love to know what his working role is.
Good luck op!

Taks the lid off your cistern and take several photos, from different angles, of what's inside. There will also be a 15mm supply pipe, entering either the bottom of the cistern, or the side at the top. Photograph that too please.

It will be a worn or incorrect fill valve. It is possible to repair them but easier to fit a new one. Some of the modern designs are very quiet.

Also, put your thumb on the outlet of the basin cold tap and turn it on. Can you block the flow with your thumb?

Hi PigletJohn Thanks so much for replying. I will try to take some pics tomorrow and attach if that's okay. As I said, it's not always really noisy but sometimes it's worse than others, so I really appreciate your help! Thanks so much.

Bringbackthestrips thanks for bumping the thread - I appreciate it!

Hi PigletJohn,

Here are some pics:

With the thumb over the cold tap and then switching on, the water gushed out of the sides. The same when doing it right after flushing.

Here are photos, as requested (honestly doesn't look this dirty IRL!) The first one is the supply pipe (hopefully) and comes into the cistern from under the toilet.

Thanks. It's really appreciated.

OK, you have a plastic, part 2, high-pressure ballcock which is fine but worn.

I recommend you change it for a modern quiet fill valve

for example this which has the brass shank resistant to thread damage.

turn off the water, flush to get most water out of the cistern, then sponge out the rest. Undo both the jointing nut and the fixing nut that holds it to the bottom of the cistern. You should not use any jointing compound or sealant. The new rubber washer goes inside the cistern. Clean off any sediment or scale inside or outside around the hole with a green nylon scourer.

you will need a set of adjustable wrenches such as these

your valve, BTW, is bottom-entry. Some cisterns have side-entry, which in your case would not fit.

If it won't fit next to the old flush syphon, it would be possible to turn the syphon round, but you may as well fit a new flush valve. The old syphon is probably also worn. This can be more effort if it has rusted fixing screws underneath, holding it to the back of the pan.

PigletJohn,

Thanks so much. I really appreciate it!
Is there any chance you could link me to a modern quiet fill valve that would be suitable? Also, could I just ask (showing my ignorance here) will it need the blue ball thing or a new ball altogether, or will a quiet fill valve negate the need for a ball?

A family member might be able to do it, but if they're not willing which they might not be in case they run into difficulties, do you have any idea what the going rate is for a plumber to do the job (approximately)?

Thanks again, and for replying so quickly!

I'm a bit out of my depth tbh, PigletJohn... Is the flush valve a different part from the quiet fill valve? Not sure what a flush syphon is... Are three separate parts needed? Does the average plumber already have these to supply and fit, would you know?
Thanks

Oops, just saw your link to the fill valve... Would appreciate if if you could glance over my above to replies and advice if poss. Thanks again.

The ball float is not needed with the new fill valve I linked.

Round here a plumber charges £60 to get out of his van.

The fill valve I show is a good one. Cheap ones are also available.

The thing that your handle hooks onto, is the syphon, which flushes the pan. The flush valve I linked is a modern alternative.

Thanks, PigletJohn, so the only part needed to fix it is the fill valve you linked to?

I really appreciate your help...thanks again!

Yes.