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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Thumping toilet and tap https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1516789607 Message started by Sandy9 on Jan 24^th, 2018, 10:26am

Title: Thumping toilet and tap
Post by Sandy9 on Jan 24^th, 2018, 10:26am

Your opinion please:
When I flush the toilet or use a sink tap on the same wall you can hear two or three loud thuds (I think it’s called hammering). I turned off the water stop tap and drained all the water out, which seemed to reduce, but not eliminate, the noise for a while. So, I called a plumber. He held a few pipes (to see if they vibrated – no) and listened at various places for the noise, but eventually said several things could be done, none guaranteed to work, so “just live with it.” Is there a solution? Am I right in thinking this plumber just didn’t want the job? Any help appreciated.

Title: Re: Thimping toilet and tap
Post by thescruff on Jan 24^th, 2018, 11:11am

Virtually impossible to answer the question but live with it? No.

Let's try to reduce the possibles. What did the plumber suggest?

I assume after you turned the water off and drained out, the reduced noise was after you filled it back up.

What type of taps are they, 1/4 turn or old washer type?
Do we get the banging from a combination of any tap with the WC or just the one tap?
Does it bang with just one or the other, just the WC for example?
How good is the pressure? time how long it takes to fill say a gallon bucket.
Are the tap and Wc in question both mains fed.
Do you have an unvented cylinder, combination boiler or other?
Is the problem a hot or cold tap?

Title: Re: Thumping toilet and tap
Post by Sandy9 on Jan 24^th, 2018, 12:33pm

Hi, thanks for trying to help. So:

- Plumber wasn't into details, did mention a toilet washer that he wouldn't fit
- Yes, after refilled
- Tap is monobloc, washer type unknown
- Banging is with either tap or toilet
- Pressure very good
- Mains, I think
- Combi boiler (plumber said this can contribute to problem but didn't explain why)
- Monobloc tap - bangs on hot or cold
- FYI toilet is dual flush ~~syphon~~ mechanism not traditional ball cock CORRECTION looking at pictures it's more likely a bottom-entry fill valve type

ADDED - Also, just checked the shower on the same wall also thuds, but not as loud

Title: Re: Thumping toilet and tap
Post by thescruff on Jan 24^th, 2018, 2:30pm

What is the make/model of the boiler.

Read the instructions if you have them, you may need to fit a shock arrestor see link.

https://www.bes.co.uk/mini-expansion-vessel-shock-arrestor-11355?ref=gs&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsKrItufw2AIVrp3tCh1DvAyNEAQYAiABEgIFOPD_BwE

Title: Re: Thumping toilet and tap
Post by Sandy9 on Jan 24^th, 2018, 2:41pm

Vaillant TURBomax Plus 824/2E

I have the installation and servicing and instructions for use manuals - can't immediately see anything about shock arrestors, what am I looking for?

ADDED - Just reading a few articles on arrestors, am I right thinking they have to be attached to tap/toilet/shower pipework? Most of my pipes are behind fully tiled walls. Can an arrestor be fixed to the boiler? Can that solve the problem?

Also, there is mention of combis with water meters. I'm on a water meter - significant?

ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Having seen some other suggestions, I tried turning the stop valve lower and with no improvement I thought I'd drain the system again - this time including the garden tap. On refilling, the thumping has stop except with the sink tap I can hear a very faint (barely audible) tapping noise, just the one, from around the same place as the thuds. That I can live with as long as you don't tell me it will in the long run cause damage/further problems.

SOLVED
Forgot to include the downstairs toilet and sink in the draining - repeated - and NO noises at all. Thanks for your help; I will keep shock arrestors in mind if the problem reoccurs.

Title: Re: Thumping toilet and tap
Post by thescruff on Jan 24^th, 2018, 5:06pm

Great, get back if the problem returns, there's usually a reason for it, the problem is finding the reason. 8-)