How to Deal with the Downside of Summer Humidity- Toilet Condensation

During the summer months, we welcome the warmer weather, with the downside of elevated humidity.  When warm, humid air hits a cold toilet tank, condensation forms resulting in damage to bathroom floors, and left unchecked, the sub-flooring.

Fortunately, this problem can be addressed in a number of ways, from simple to complex.

Reduce the humidity in your bathroom by changing your routine from winter’s dry air to summer. Here are some suggestions:

• Use the exhaust fan when you take a shower.
• Take shorter, cooler showers to discourage the migration of water into the air.
• Dry the shower walls after you’ve taken a shower.
• Open the door to the bathroom when you finish your shower.
• Use a portable dehumidifier to dry out the bathroom after a shower.
• Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier to keep your entire house comfortable.
• Don’t open the bathroom window if it’s humid outside. Letting humid air in just makes matters worse.
• An air conditioner is a great dehumidifier. If you have air conditioning, use it.

Warm up the water in the tank by installing an anti-sweat valve (see links for more information).

Purchase a tank insulating kit that will warm up the tank.  This solution may involve emptying the tank to install the insulation but might be worth it.

Check the flapper valve. If your flapper valve at the bottom of the tank is leaking, the toilet will regularly take on a lot of fresh, cold water to replace the water that leaked out. If you stop the leak, the water in the tank can reach room temperature.

As always, simple everyday maintenance helps tenants to have a welcoming home and pleasant environment.  By taking small steps, you can reduce the toilet condensation and prevent floor damage, keeping your bathroom clean and healthy. 

Boston Standard (July 16, 2018), ”6 ways to stop your toilet from sweating and 1 tip that won’t help”  https://www.bostonstandardplumbing.com/blog/6-ways-to-stop-your-toilet-from-sweating-and-1-tip-that-wont-help/

 Merle Henkenius, This Old House, “How to Stop Your Toilet from Sweating”

 https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21015508/good-bye-sweaty-toiletHouse Logic, “Condensation on Toilet Tank: How to Fix a Sweaty Toilet”  https://www.houselogic.com/save-money-add-value/save-on-utilities/sweaty-toilet/