Chances are that you underappreciate the beauty of your toilet, that modern meld of porcelain and plumbing ingenuity. In the world of mechanics, toilets have redefined simplistic, effective function with just two parts: the bowl, which is anchored to the floor, and the tank, which sits on the bowl. Incredible.

A common problem with said perfect invention is what some call “toilet sweat.” That’s the condensation caused when cool water from your water supply pipe hits the warmer porcelain tank. The dilemma is not just cosmetic: sweating toilets create a chronic puddle, which will cause water damage over time. The fix? Click through to the next page for Arianne’s advice.

For starters, a well-positioned air conditioner or open window to cool off the porcelain may do the trick. Or, if that’s not possible, try insulating the inside of the tank with a piece of Styrofoam or foam rubber. Purchase a 1/2″ thick piece of either, and cut it just smaller than the wide side of the tank. Turn off the water supply to the toilet (the little knob behind the toilet), and slide the Styrofoam into the inside of the tank. Glue the styrofoam along the wall with silicone cement, and let it dry for 24 hours (go find a neighbor’s toilet!). You have hereby returned your toilet to its previous perfect self!

For more helpful tips from Arianne, visit her website, ariannecohen.com or pick up a copy of her book, Help! It’s Broken: A Fix-It Bible For the Repair-Impaired from Amazon.