Hamilton Audio wrote:
So we're talking about the rubber "flapper" deal that has the
chain/handle attached to it? Or is it the white mechanism to the
left of that which allows the water to enter the tank? Sorry - I'm a
newbie toilet guy

No we are talking about the valve that controls the water coming into
the tank. It is call the "Filler valve" in the example below:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet1.htm


bmoney

"Speedy Jim" wrote in message
...
Hamilton Audio wrote:

When you say ballcock valve I have to assume its the small shutoff
valve right before the tank? I closed it about 3/4 of a
turn today and behold! No vibration. When it starts happening
again I'll change it out. Thanks to those who chimed in - I
never would have guessed a worn out ball valve could make the pipes
sing like this!

bmoney

No! Ballcock is the "float" valve *inside* the tank.

Closing the shutoff partway may seem to solve the problem
for now, but can cause other problems. Many of those shutoffs
are designed to be either fully closed or fully open.
Partway can make the washer inside vibrate and REALLY
produce hammering.

Jim



"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...

Hamilton Audio wrote:

I've got a 20 year old bi-level - and have an interesting
phenomenon. Just lately I've noticed that when I flush the
downstairs toilet, just after the tank refills I get a
low-frequency droning/vibration that seems to be coming from the
main water lead from the water meter in the basement.
It drones/vibrates (almost seems like "bass" from a kids car
outside) for between 5 and 10 seconds and then goes away. I've
noticed that when its vibrating, if I run the basement sink, it
stops instantly. No other faucets/toilets cause the pipe to do
this. Any thoughts? I've read this is water hammer, but its not a
banging or clanking, but rather a fast vibration. Whats the
cause and any cure? I don't care about the noise as much as I am
worried that the vibration is going to cause a broken solder
joint somewhere which leads to flooding....
??

bmoney

It could be water hammer, but I would tend towards a worn ball
cock valve.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia's Muire duit

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia's Muire duit