Have you ever walked into your bathroom only to see a puddle of water surrounding a dripping wet toilet? Wet or "sweating" toilets are common during the winter months and can be incredibly frustrating — and slippery — for homeowners.
What Causes a Sweaty Toilet?
Toilets are made of porcelain, which is a type of ceramic that's highly absorbent. When the temperature in your bathroom drops, the porcelain along with the water in your toilet bowl and tank becomes colder, causing condensation to form. This condensation then drips down the side of your toilet, much like sweat dripping down your forehead.
There are a few things you can do to fix this problem:
Use Your Bathroom Fan
Your bathroom exhaust fan is there for a reason! Be sure to turn it on to keep humidity levels low and avoid excessive water build-up on the room's surfaces.
Install a Toilet Tank Liner
Another way to prevent your toilet tank from sweating is to install a tank liner. This is a thin, waterproof sheet that's placed inside your toilet tank. It acts as a barrier between the water and the porcelain, preventing condensation from forming.
Check the Flapper
Older toilets may have a flapper that doesn't fit snugly against the tank opening. This can allow cold air to enter, which will cause condensation to form on the inside of your toilet tank. To fix this problem, simply adjust or replace the flapper so that it fits snugly against the tank opening.
Use a Toilet Bowl Sweat Pad or Drip Guard
While this solution won't stop your toilet from sweating, it can prevent puddling on your bathroom floor. A sweat pad or drip pan will catch any condensation as it drips down, keeping that water from pooling around the base of your toilet.
Call Your Plumber
It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your plumbing. If you're looking for professional help when it comes to fixing a sweaty toilet, give Mr. Rooter's Plumbing team a call to schedule your appointment today!
