This rumbling noise after flushing may sound like a hammer or knocking inside the walls. When you flush, it opens a valve so additional water can come in. However, if the valve malfunctions, then this rush of water has nowhere to go, which makes all the excess water hit your pipes and create a loud hammering sound.

A toilet flange secures your toilet in place to the floor, and connects your toilet to the drain pipe that carries its contents to the sewer. Obvious signs that your flange needs replacement include when it can’t keep up with these two functions. If your toilet rocks back and forth or you see leaks coming from the bottom of your toilet, it’s time for a replacement. Other signs that your toilet flange is broken or faulty may include loose tiles or soft flooring around the toilet, and sewage smells.

Putting caulk around a toilet’s base where it touches the flooring can help hold the toilet in place. A more effective way is using caulk with plastic shim wedges. Place the shims underneath the base to steady and stabilize the toilet. Add some caulk to help keep the shims in place and provide a stronger and more lasting stabilization effect.

While you might think that phantom flushes are simply eerie, they are bad for your toilet (and wallet). These flushes indicate a leak somewhere in the toilet system that needs repairing. These leaks can cause damage to your walls, flooring, and even your plumbing system. While one random flush every now and then might not seem like a big deal, leaving it unattended can lead to bigger problems.