Ah the sweating toilet tank. When I was growing up, my mother and grandmother corrected the problem by outfitting their toilets with funky colored covers. The faux fur and polyester blends absorbed the toilet tank condensation before it could make its way down on to the bathroom floor. Unfortunately, the covers themselves ultimately ended up sopping wet and stinky. Thankfully, the days of funky toilet covers are over. Nowadays, there are other solutions. Here’s a quick look at three of them:
Install a Toilet Tank Liner
When it comes to reducing toilet tank condensation, toilet tank liners are one option that you may want to consider employing. Toilet tank liners are similar to the toilet condensation solutions of yore with three major differences. First, they come in one color. Second, they go inside your toilet tank instead of on it. Third, the liners are made of foam insulation and not fabric.
Toilet tank liner kits are available for purchase through most hardware and home improvement stores for $19. The kits consist of water proof adhesive and thin sheets of white, foam insulation. In order to apply the sheets, you’ll need to empty your toilet tank. Once that’s done, coat the toilet tank’s inside walls with the adhesive and attach the foam sheets. That’s all there is to it. The only downside is that they don’t always work.
Install a Toilet Tank Anti-Sweat Valve
In my opinion, installing a toilet tank anti-sweat valve is one of the better options. Toilet tank anti-sweat valves are available for purchase through plumbing supply and hardware stores for $16. The valve reduces toilet tank condensation by altering the temperature of the water inside the toilet tank. There are two downsides to using a toilet tank anti-sweat valve. First, in order for it to work, it has to have hot water. That translates to a higher utility bill. The second downside to investing in a toilet tank anti-sweat valve is that you’ll need to install it.
Installation of a toilet tank anti-sweat valve isn’t extraordinary difficult but it can be expensive if you don’t already have the necessary tools on hand. You’ll need supplies such as a gas torch ($20), a hacksaw ($7), a pipe wrench ($25), pipe joint compound ($4) and solder ($5). In addition, you will also need to know how to solder. In my experience, the entire install job will likely take you an hour or less to complete.
Install an Exhaust Fan
Installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom is also an excellent way to reduce toilet tank condensation. This is the option that my family and I went with. There are different types of bathroom exhaust fans and the prices vary wildly. The installation method will also vary based on the model. We went with a basic, motorized exhaust fan. It cost us less than $20 and it does help to keep the condensation to a minimum.
There are, however, three downsides to having an exhaust fan in your bathroom. The first problem that I noticed is that it makes a good deal of noise. Second, it will increase your electric bill because you’ll need to let it run often. Third, it has a tendency to attract dust. Therefore, you’ll need to remove the cover and clean it at least once a month. Otherwise, it starts to look pretty grungy.
Source: Personal Experience
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing DIY home improvement projects with her family.
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