condensation on toilet cisterns

[chrisgolf0]

does anyone know where i can obtain a "drip tray"to fit underneath a porcelain cistern that catches condensation so that the water does not wet floor and rot floorboards ?

[mrpeter]

Hi chrisgolf0
Have a look round a garden centre for the trays used to stand potted plants in when they require watering. There are some long ,thin and narrow types that are decorative as well. You should be able to find one that will fit in the space you have ,provided that there is somewhere to stand the tray on.

[Disco Fever]

Looks like your bathroom where the toilet is seems to be too hot so you are getting condensation on the cistern, try turning the heating down a little to see if that cures it....

[coffeeboy]

I have the same trouble but my cistern is plastic and I dont have any heating in my toilet which is seperate from my bathroom.

[Whickerman]

is it wee...?

[coffeeboy]

No I'm a good shot

[chrisgolf0]

re condensation on loo.it is a downstairs toilet separate from bathroom.no heaing in the small room!

[Clanad]

Actually, the water that runs into the 'tank' (as it's called here in the U.S.) is always colder than the surrounding air. Same thing occurs in airconditioned bathrooms on warm summer days. The difference in temperatures causes the condensation, which is aggravated if there's warm, moist air from a bath or shower.

Consider this... remove all of the water from the tank (excuse me, 'cistern') and dry it thoroughly. Obtain a small sheet of Rigid Foam insulation from your DIY store (looks like this: http://www.owenscorning.com/around/insulation/ products/foamular.asp , DIY stores sell small sheets and often 'made to fit' kits just for this application such as this: http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51-291-misc- tank-interior/toilet-tank-liner-kit-with-adhes ive-671112.aspx) Using any good waterproof glue (the ready made kits have adhesive already applied) cut and glue the insulation on the inside of the tank, lining it completely. This will quickly and effectively solve your problem without a tray of water standing around becoming smelly...

There is a special 'mixer valve' that can be purchased but it's installation is usually done by a professional. Seen here: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218 961,00.html ...Best of luck!

[dot.hawkes]

blimey Clanad!
I had this prob in the house I have just sold, It was a right mess and we had to keep wiping it dry, but I bought one ofthose trays with an inner tray that you put silica gel crystals in, my mum used to use them on her window sills, they are only a �1 (from Poundland!) and they do work!

P.S., when you have removed all the water how do you dry it??

[chrisgolf0]

Clanad.thanks for your advice.unfortunately products you advise are not available outside of the U.S.A

[Clanad]

dot... with a sponge and a bucket followed by a towel followed by a hair dryer... I'm really surprised the colonies have a lead on DIY products such as these... Oh well! Best of luck!