Listen to a toilet flush
How loud is a toilet flush?
A toilet flush is about 75 dB, with a typical range of 65–85 dB. Pressure-assisted toilets are the loudest.
That is about 3 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 31.6 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 75 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 80.6 hours; at the top of the range (85 dB) it is 8.0 hours. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a toilet flush
Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.70 dBWashing machine
Louder during the spin cycle.75 dBBusy restaurant
Hard surfaces and many voices push levels up.75 dBVacuum cleaner
At the operator's position.80 dBAirplane cabin
Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.80 dBAlarm clock
Measured at the pillow.80 dBGarbage disposal
Kitchen sink food waste disposer.85 dBGas lawn mower
CDC lists gas mowers and leaf blowers at 80–85 dB; operator-ear levels can be higher.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 dBA | 256 hours | 128 hours |
| 72 dBA | 161 hours | 97.0 hours |
| 75 dBA | 80.6 hours | 64.0 hours |
| 78 dBA | 40.3 hours | 42.2 hours |
| 81 dBA | 20.2 hours | 27.9 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Toilet Flushing by lorenzgillner – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Toilet Flush, European, Distant, Lid Up.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Toilet Flushing by IESP – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Toilet Flush, English, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Toilet Flush by EminYILDIRIM – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a toilet flush?
About 75 dB, with a typical range of 65–85 dB.
Is a toilet flush louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a toilet flush is about 75 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Toilet flush stereo low-flow high-quality 2020.10.13 by Leopardragon – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Toilet flush - Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza by Andy Mabbett – CC BY-SA 3.0
- Toilet flush (Gravity Sound) by Gravity Sound – CC BY 4.0
- Toilet flush by DrTrumpet – CC BY-SA 4.0