Common Problems with Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Exhaust fans of various designs and types are present in bathrooms to remove offensive odors and steam from them. Moreover, it keeps the interior fresh by ensuring proper air circulation and removing moisture.

Common problems with bathroom exhaust fan include brunt-out motor, poor lubrication, electrical issues, dirt vent covers, stuck dumper, and bent fan blades. In addition, you can face the issue of uneven noise and faulty circuit breakers. 

Most bathrooms have more than one exhaust fan, depending on size and type, for better air circulation. It is better to install them because excessive humidity damages the different components, including floors and walls.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Problems Solutions
Burnt out motor Replace the burnt-out exhaust fan motor
Poor lubrication Grease the end point of the motor shaft
Electrical issues Check connecting wires and electric outlets
Dirty vent covers Vacuum the exhaust vent covers
Stuck damper Use WD-40 spray
Bent fan blades Remove dust from fan blades
Uneven noise Turn off the parts and access its parts
Issue with breakers Turn on the breakers

Burnt out motor

Exhaust fans contain the motor for proper functioning and removing steam and air from the bathroom interior.

These motors are helpful in the movement of fan blades for their specific functions. Sometimes these motor burns out, and you cannot hear any sound when you turn on the fan.

The motors have a specific age limit, and these can burn out after this time limit exceeds. Moreover, poor maintenance and cleaning also decrease their longevity.

Dust and dirt particles get stuck in their internal parts, which reduces their efficiency and, eventually, this burnout.

You can identify the burnt-out motor problem by the speed of the fans. These can run at a slower speed than normal and sometimes completely turn off.

Furthermore, the interior has more moisture, and steam remains when you bathe with warm water.

Replace the motors instead of changing the unit, which is expensive. Instead, visit the hardware store and purchase genuine and high-quality parts from that that last longer.

Poor lubrication

The exhaust fans in the bathroom are specially designed to remove dust and moisture from the interior side.

The parts become dusty, and rust can also come on them due to excessive drawing of moist air. The friction between its parts increases, and you can hear the noise.

You can hear the squeaking noise when you turn them on due to increased friction between the metal parts.

Sometimes people forget to grease their parts for their smooth functioning. Therefore, you have to carefully apply the lubricant on their parts because the incorrect application can damage its components and increase the fire risk.

Avoid greasing the motor or fan blades because these can get damaged. Instead, slightly lubricate or grease the bearing of the fans to reduce uneven noise because these are irritating.

You can use the machine oil to lubricate the motor and add a few drops at the end point of the motor shaft.

Electrical issues

Bathroom exhaust fans stop functioning if there is any electrical issue in your home.

Sometimes, the problem comes in the internal wiring of your home, which can interrupt the functioning of various electric components.

These cannot work if the internal wirings are poorly connected or damaged. Also, you cannot turn them on due to improper wiring and incorrect installation.

Sometimes there is an issue with the socket and the switch. For example, the loose or frayed connection of wires from the switch side cannot supply power to the motor for running fan blades.

In addition, you cannot supply the power supply when sockets are faulty. The loose wiring connection of electric outlets interrupts the power supply.

I prefer to check the electric sockets when these fans are not working. Replace the outlets if these are broken and cannot supply electric current.

In addition, check their connect points and fasten them if they are loose and wires protrude outside.

Dirty vent covers

The vent covers are present in most exhaust fans to stop the uneven airflow in the bathrooms. In addition, these are also designed to restrict unnecessary airflow, dust, and bugs.

These are beneficial for removing dust particles and lint fibers from the interior space. The vent covers and grilles can get clogged due to dust and dirt.

You can turn on the fans, but there is insufficient airflow. In addition, the working efficiency decreases due to accumulated dust and lint fibers.

The cleaning method of vent covers depends on the severity of the dust on them. You can remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment.

Moreover, you can also remove them for their proper cleaning. Dip the vent covers in hot and soapy water and dry them with a microfiber cloth.

Stuck damper

The damper is present in most bathroom exhaust fans, similar to the vent covers. Therefore, it is better to purchase the ones with dampers when installing them on the ceiling.

You can open and close the damper covers to increase or decrease airflow without disturbing the working efficiency of the motors.

Sometimes the damper gets stuck in an open or closed position due to faulty screws and hinges. As a result, people have difficulty closing them, which can also break when you put pressure.

Moreover, clogging also occurs in these parts, which can inhibit the outside airflow. You can resolve the problem by lubricating the damper hinges with WD-40 spray.

Bent fan blades

The exhaust fan blades start to bend from their edges, and you can hear the wobbly and vibrating noise when you turn it on.

The bending issue comes from excessive airflow from windows and other corners on the inner side. In addition, dust can also build on their surface and make them heavy.

These cannot run at their proper speed due to the accumulation of dirt. Moreover, improper cleaning practices of these parts cause their bending.

You can resolve the problem by properly cleaning and removing dust from their surface. Avoid putting pressure on any corner because it can bend, and you can feel the vibrations.

Uneven noise

You can often hear the grinding and clinking noise if your exhaust fan in the bathroom is too powerful. The noise from these areas comes from improper installation and poor adjustment of its parts.

Furthermore, the issue also comes due to accumulating dirt and grime on its parts for a longer time. The problem also comes due to its broken internal parts.

The poor lubrication produces grinding noise due to increased friction between its parts. Moreover, the unbalancing of fan blades also produces uneven noise.

It is better to quickly turn it off when you hear any uneven noise from them because it can completely damage its parts.

Lubricate its parts properly to reduce the grinding noise and friction.

Issue with breakers

The circuit breakers usually control the surge power supply in our homes. These can cut off the current supply when detecting unusual changes in their pattern.

The primary purpose of the circuit breaker is to protect the home appliances when there is a surge in power supply in various outlets.

Sometimes your home’s circuit breakers get tripped, and you cannot turn on any electric appliances because of a current cut-off supply.

These can also get tripped when there is a short circuit in any electric wiring. It is better to check the circuit breakers when this fan is not running rather than examine their parts.

Turn on the breakers if these are down to ensure movement of current in outlets.

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