Condensation on the toilet cistern, how to get rid of it - 5 ways

What to do if the toilet tank is sweating? There are several ways to eliminate the phenomenon: reduce the temperature in the bathroom, check the ventilation - it should work properly, the float mechanism and shut-off valves may break - replace.

The question of how to get rid of condensation on a toilet tank arises quite often. First of all, it is important to understand what this phenomenon is and what it may mean in the future.

Then you need to understand what caused the water droplets to appear. In most cases, the cause is a breakdown of components or insufficient ventilation of the bathroom, resulting in increased levels of moisture.

It is not always necessary to take serious measures to eliminate condensation. In some cases, it is sufficient to make minor changes to reduce the volume of condensed liquid.

Timely repair of the drainage system

In order to quickly and effectively deal with a problem, it is important to determine the cause of its occurrence. One of the main ones is a malfunction of the connecting element system or breakdown of the inlet fittings. The need for plumbing work is indicated by the constant, involuntary flow of water into the drainage compartment. The temperature of the liquid inside the tank does not have time to catch up with the room value, which leads to constant condensation on its surface. To eliminate a leak, a careful analysis of all elements of the drain structure will be required:

• Inlet valve;
• float;
• Sealing gasket, etc.

It is also important to inspect the tank itself for mechanical damage. Small chips, cracks, and wear of the connecting collar can lead not only to the appearance of moisture on the tank body, but also to flooding of the entire room.

Types of locking mechanisms and methods for replacing them

If the drain fittings are to blame for the condensation dripping from the tank, then it must be replaced. First you need to figure out what type of mechanism is installed. Shut-off valves are:

• Rod or exhaust. The oldest and most common type, but also the most reliable. The flush is triggered after the rod rises, opening a hole for draining water.
• Push-button. This is a modern system designed to save water consumption. Allows you to press a button to regulate the amount of water drained.
• In the form of a mechanism with a pneumatic drive.

After determining the type of fittings, it must be replaced:

[smartcontrol_youtube_shortcode key=”replacing toilet fittings” cnt=”4" col=”2" shls=”true”]

1. Carefully remove the old fittings and clean all joints from limescale.
2. Install the seal in the appropriate place in the tank.
3. Place the fittings in the drain container and secure with the nut included in the kit.
4. Screw on the remaining fasteners, first placing gaskets on the bolts.
5. Install the tank in the designated place.
6. Install the upper part of the fittings and connect to the water supply point.
7. Close the container with a lid, connect the drain mechanism and check operation.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Making a plasterboard box in a toilet: hiding the pipes from view

Adjusting the amount of flushed water

The water in the bowl also does not have time to heat up if the toilet is used too often. It will help to solve the problem - installing a two-stage flush button. The device is sold in most hardware stores, and installation work can be carried out without the involvement of a specialist.

The ability to partially flush helps preserve some of the water heated to room temperature until the next use. The contrast between the environment and the liquid becomes less noticeable, which significantly reduces the likelihood of condensation. You can also reduce the volume of water flushed at a time by adjusting the drain valve or reducing the water pressure.

Why does condensation appear?

Most often, condensation is formed from temperature differences. When there is cold water in the toilet tank, and warm, humid air outside (in the room itself). For moisture to begin to accumulate on the tank, the temperature difference must exceed 11-15 degrees.

The following reasons are also possible:

• increased degree of humidity in the toilet;
• presence of hot pipes in the room;
• drain malfunction;
• pressing the drain too often (then the accumulated water does not have time to reach a warm temperature).

Before fixing the problem, it is important to identify the exact cause.

Heating liquid for draining

The most effective way to get rid of drips on the toilet tank is to increase the temperature of the water entering the bowl. You can use one of the above methods or use them in combination.

• Insulate the pipes. They use basalt, fiberglass, foam insulation or lay a heating cable.
• Install a boiler. A budget water heater of minimal volume is suitable.
• Connect the hot water supply pipe to the drain. If experience allows, a distribution system can be designed that will allow the required amount of hot and cold water to be mixed.

The downside of the last two methods will be a slight increase in the cost of electricity or hot water supply. To save money, heating can be used seasonally, for example, only in winter.

What are the consequences of this trouble?

In addition to the fact that the toilet tank is constantly wet and cold due to condensation, this excess moisture can cause a lot of trouble. Dampness leads to damage to equipment, which looks unsightly due to stains. The fastening bolts slowly but surely rust, and brown streaks form around them.

Over time, moisture flows down from the toilet cistern, collects in puddles, and penetrates under the floor covering. From there it can flow even lower and damage the thermal insulation, or even make its way to the ceiling of your neighbors below.

Note! High surface humidity due to condensation leads to the formation of mold, mildew and unpleasant odors in the bathroom

Insulation of the toilet cistern

Another way to reduce the temperature difference between the water entering the bowl and the earthenware at room temperature is to seal and insulate the tank.

• Before starting work, shut off the flow of water, wash off the remaining liquid from the tank, and remove the fittings.
• The container, dried from the inside, is covered with heat-insulating material. The joints are treated with sealant.
• Cut holes for attaching the tank to the toilet shelf and installing fittings.
• After the adhesive composition has completely dried, all elements are returned to their original place and the water supply is resumed.

Does the material matter?

The material of the pipes has a significant influence on the occurrence of condensation.

The main indicator is thermal conductivity - the higher it is, the more moisture will settle on the surface.

pipes, both steel and brass, get wet the most

They quickly cool down when a cold stream passes and begin to attract water vapor from the air.

Plastic pipes are less susceptible to this phenomenon, since the thermal conductivity of polymers is much lower than that of metal.

On a note! The walls of plastic pipes have thermal insulation abilities that reduce the possibility of moisture settling. However, if the room is very hot and humid, the plastic surfaces will also become wet.

Checking the functionality of the ventilation system

Often the reason for the appearance of drops on the walls of plumbing fixtures is not caused by malfunctions of the toilet, but by the condition of the ventilation system. Its wear, contamination or complete absence leads to an increase in air humidity and, as a result, the appearance of a wet coating on ceramics, mirrors, and walls.

You can restore the indoor microclimate in one of the following ways:

• Ventilate the room regularly. Often it is enough to leave a ventilation gap between the floor and the door or equip the door leaf with a ventilation grill.
• Check the draft of the ventilation ducts and, if not, clean the shaft.
• Install additional equipment: exhaust fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier. Most appliances can be set to start automatically when the lights in the room are turned off. This minimizes the level of discomfort while using the bathroom.

If your budget allows, replacing the plumbing fixtures will help solve the problem of excess moisture in the toilet room. Most modern toilets are equipped with an anti-condensation function. In their production, plastic is used in addition to ceramics. The two-layer system ensures a smooth transition between water and air temperatures.

How to prevent its occurrence

There are several current recommendations to prevent the appearance of unwanted drops. For example:

• monitor ventilation: clean it in a timely manner, check the quality of work using a match or lighter;
• frequently ventilate the room, try not to dry things in the house with the windows closed;
• monitor the condition of the plumbing: if the drain button sticks, fix the problem;
• do not allow a large jump in temperature: install the toilet further from heating devices;
• reduce the water supply level.

If you plan to renovate the entire room, it is advisable to replace the regular toilet with a “tearless” version. Then you won’t have to spend money on buying an additional tank, sealant, or worry about a flood from your neighbors.

Install a “double” tank

Installing a double tank does not require special knowledge or a lot of time. Experts have provided step-by-step instructions that allow you to carry out the upgrade on your own. Moments:

1. Simply unscrewing a single button and screwing on a double-standard one will not work. You will have to change all the fittings.
2. The cost of a two-flush mechanism will be fully recouped by the absence of leaks and water savings. It will be consumed in two modes - “half-flush” and “standard”. Half-flush allows you to mix cold water with water that has already warmed up.

Stages:

after purchasing a new mechanism, the water supply is cut off; the remaining water from the tank is drained; old fittings are dismantled; the entire tank is removed; a new system is being installed; then the tank is reinstalled in its place

Particular attention is paid to the “lambs”. With their help, you can properly secure the tank, because even the slightest deviation can cause noise or leakage.

At the end, the double button is screwed in and the valve for water supply is opened. The whole procedure will take only 20-30 minutes.

Check ventilation regularly

When faced with the problem of ventilation, experts recommend paying attention to the entire microclimate in rooms and non-residential premises. An alternative to an automatic system that intersects with light is:

1. Installation of holes in doorways. To make them look natural, you can insert a grille or special caps with a filter mesh into them, which will eliminate the transfer of dust and small particles due to the formation of an air flow.
2. There are special air dryers that are installed in the ventilation hole.
3. Salt can be a budget option. By placing a small amount of scented bath salts in all rooms, you can partially get rid of excess moisture.

The cause of condensation accumulation may be hidden not only in faulty plumbing. Often the problem is initiated by neighbors who regularly flood other citizens. For example, when installing suspended ceilings, you may encounter the fact that a neighbor will simply hide the fact that there was a leak. An unpleasant smell of mustiness and dampness for no apparent reason may be the first call to check the walls.

The second popular problem is pipe leakage. Even the PFC system, which has a high rating for products related to plumbing engineering, has its own service life.

The third reason may lie in the liner itself, which quickly fails due to impurities in the water.

Any repair must begin with an analysis of the situation. Placing a rag under the tank or regularly removing drops from the surface of the tile is not a solution. Neglect can lead to poor health and unnecessary costs for finishing the entire room.

Normalization of air circulation

First of all, check how effectively natural ventilation works. Ventilation windows should be covered with bars and under no circumstances clogged with dirt and dust.

Natural ventilation is the key to protection against high humidity and mold

Many users prefer to leave the bathroom door open, but a better option is to make a gap at the bottom.

To improve air circulation, you should install a ventilation grill in the bathroom door

Before installing decorative mesh, the channel should be cleared of debris; if this has not been done, then there is a possibility that there is no draft in the system. In this case, it needs to be cleaned. In a private house, this responsibility falls directly on the owner, in multi-storey residential buildings - on the housing office, where you should contact.

Natural ventilation is not always ensured by ventilation. In this case, an artificial one should be installed. It is difficult to do this on your own, since you need to take into account the power of the equipment and the state of the microclimate of the room, so we recommend contacting special centers.

If natural ventilation is of poor quality, it is necessary to organize forced ventilation

There are also systems that dry air, which are aimed at shared bathrooms. They provide a reduction in humidity by recycling water vapor.

Does it need to be cleaned?

The process of moisture deposition itself is not critical , but it is undesirable for walls and other objects surrounding pipes. Absorption of moisture contributes to the destruction of building materials, causing the appearance of fungus, mold, and insects.

If condensation occurs on polymer surfaces in well-ventilated areas, you may not be too afraid of this phenomenon.

It is enough to get rid of the causes of steam deposition, and no harmful consequences will arise.

It is more difficult when steel parts , structural elements of the house, and reinforcement of load-bearing walls get wet.

In these cases, the most effective measures must be taken immediately, including temporarily turning off the water and identifying the source of danger.