What’s cold on the inside, warm on the outside and sweating bullets all over the bathroom floor? You guessed it: a sweating toilet tank. This is pretty common amongst toilets so there are quite a few ways to go about repairs. Read about what might work for you, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you need help.
What Causes Condensation on Toilet Tanks?
Condensation or sweat forms on the outside of a toilet when the tank is cooler than the surrounding air. When a toilet tank fills with cold water, the outside of the tank cools down or drops in temperature. When the warm air in your home makes contact with the cold tank, sweat or condensation can form on the outside of your tank.
To get technical. Water entering the tank is generally between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Your home may be 10-20 degrees warmer than that. Moisture in the surrounding air condenses and collects on the outside of the toilet. It’s the same phenomenon that causes water to form on a glass holding a cold beverage.
How to Fix a Sweating Toilet?
More than anything, a condensing toilet tank is annoying. However, when left untreated, condensation on the toilet tank can cause damp floors which invite mold and bacteria. Those are guests you want to avoid. That’s why it’s worth looking into resolving the condensation problem.
There are a number of ways to take care of a toilet that sweats too much. Here’s how to stop a toilet from sweating:
1. Get a mixing valve: An anti-sweat valve is an antiperspirant for your toilet. The valve lets a little bit of hot water mix with the cold. This repair will nearly always work, but if you don’t have easy access to the hot water line, it can be a rather involved project. Hiring a toilet repair plumber may be the best option if you plan to install a mixing valve.
2. Install a new toilet: Sometimes it makes more sense to replace than repair. A low-flow toilet uses less water, which means the tank will have less chances to get cold and clammy. Models with built-in installation are available.
3. Replace the tank: You may be able to replace only the tank on your toilet. Choose a tank with insulation.
4. Keep the tank warmer: Buy and install a kit to insulate the tank. This will balance out the temperature difference.
5. Repair a running toilet: If the toilet is running, it’s more likely to sweat because it’s continually refilling with cool water.
6. Reduce humidity: Install and use a bathroom fan, take shorter showers or leave the bathroom door open. Crank up the AC while the showers in use.
7. Get a drip pan: Place a tray under the tank as a stopgap until you can work a more elegant repair.
Water running down the toilet tank isn’t really a leak, but it’s still a nuisance. To troubleshoot a leaking toilet, read our blog post.
Hire an Experienced Vancouver Toilet Repair Plumber
At Simpson Plumbing, we repair all kinds of toilets with all kinds of problems. Searching for an experienced professional plumber in Vancouver WA and beyond? Give us a call at (360) 834-5311. We’ll find a way to fix your toilet!
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