How can I fix a leaky toilet without replacing parts?

[arabianights]

TL;DR Summary

Help with fixing Leaky toilet

My mom lives in an old apartment building and her toilet is constantly leaking. I opened the cover and took a took. I couldn’t tell which part is causing the leak. Here’s a couple pictures of it

 

[jack action]

Two possible causes I can think of:

1. Water goes through the overflow tube. This is due to a badly adjusted float that sets the water level too high. Readjusting the float should fix the problem;
2. The flapper valve does not seal properly. A visual inspection might show an obvious problem and replacing it might be necessary.

 

[Lnewqban]

The picture seems to show a central sliding valve.
If that is the case, please see:
https://idealservice.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Toilet+Flush+Valve+Seal+Replacement/5794

 

[arabianights]

The picture seems to show a central sliding valve.
If that is the case, please see:
https://idealservice.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Toilet+Flush+Valve+Seal+Replacement/5794

thank you! I didn't know what type of valve it was since it's different from regular flapper type of toilet flushing system. it seems it's also being called canister valve with outlet harnesses.

 

[rbelli1]

Two possible causes I can think of:

1. Water goes through the overflow tube. This is due to a badly adjusted float that sets the water level too high. Readjusting the float should fix the problem;
2. The flapper valve does not seal properly. A visual inspection might show an obvious problem and replacing it might be necessary.

3. The inlet valve never closes completely no matter the force from the float and flows continuously.

If #1 then lifting gently up on the float will stop the leaking. The level can be adjusted by turning the screw in the third picture of post 1. Press down on the float when turning the screw to make it easier to turn. If the pictures provided are in the steady state then it looks like the level is not the problem.

If #2 is the problem then the fill valve will usually cycle on and off as the water level slowly falls and then is replenished by the inlet valve. If the leak is really bad then the water level will never rise. You have a canister flush valve so no flapping but it serves the same purpose as a flapper valve. Cleaning debris from the sealing surfaces may fix this. If you have a shutoff valve then you can close it and flush the toilet to get easier access. Hold the handle down until no more water flows.

If #3 Sometimes disassembling and cleaning out the valve can fix this without any replacement parts but the seal probably needs to be replaced. Often the whole valve assembly needs to be replaced. If you want to take apart the valve then shut off the water first or you will get an unexpected ceiling wash-down. After opening the valve and removing any loose parts you will want to flush the line. Place a cup or small container over the top of the valve and open the shut off briefly. Hold on tight as the water comes out forcefully.

BoB

 

[sophiecentaur]

If #3 Sometimes disassembling and cleaning out the valve can fix this without any replacement parts but the seal probably needs to be replaced.

This approach may buy you some time but the parts are all pretty cheap so a trip to the plumbing supplies shop is the best solution. The cistern in the picture is not familiar to me but you can eliminate the (rubber ring?) as a possible cause if you isolate the system with the inlet valve. If it's the outlet valve then water will flow until the tank is empty. If it's the inlet valve not shutting off then overflow water will stop almost immediately. A new diaphragm in the inlet valve can be changed with very little trouble .

It does worry me that these vital mechanisms are so poorly made. They can develop splits and leaks quite spontaneously. In the good old days, the inverted bell-type flush was fail safe and the old fashioned ball cock, with its little rubber pad would last for many decades. But people change bathrooms almost as frequently as bath towels these days so the plumbing fittings are not often an issue.