How to Properly Maintain a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The bathroom exhaust vent fan requires annual maintenance to increase its performance value and lifespan. It is used for removing excess moisture in the air after a hot shower or bath. If never removed, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is simultaneously dangerous to our health and destructive for our homes. Continue reading to learn how to properly clean and maintain bathroom exhaust vent fans.

Indianapolis Handyman Service 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Handyman Service 317-454-3612

How They Operate

Bathroom exhaust fans are powerful enough to exhaust nearly two million cubic feet of air per year if turned on for one hour each day! They draw air from the bathroom and vent it outside. As the vent draws air in, other airborne particles come with it, like dust, dander, and debris. These particles accumulate on the outer grid cover and fan motor, reducing performance value and efficiency. Both of these areas must be cleaned in order to maintain an operational bathroom exhaust vent. Dust and debris should be wiped clear every six months to a year, depending on the size of a bathroom and the number of occupants in a home.

How to Clean the Bathroom Exhaust Vent:

▥ To get started, you will need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a step stool, and a towel. The first step begins at the circuit breaker box. Be sure to flip the fuse to the bathroom fan so it has no power. This will eliminate electrocution accidents and injuries.

▥ Next, use your step stool to get in arms reach of the vent. Most are located on the ceiling, but some may be on the side of a wall, right beneath the ceiling.

▥ Slowly pull the grid cover to the vent down until it is a few inches from the ceiling. At this point, you will be able to see metal spring clips on each side of the grid cover. Press them together simultaneously and release them from their slots in the fan housing, then remove the cover from the ceiling entirely.

▥ Place the vent cover on the towel and vacuum it clean with your brush attachment. You may also use paper towel and mild cleaning solution to wipe it clean after vacuuming. Do this for both sides.

▥ Next, using your brush attachment, gently vacuum the fan housing and blower motor. You can choose to use the crevice tool vacuum attachment to reach deeper, harder-to-reach spots.

▥ Now you are ready to attach the cover back to the ceiling and exposed fan housing. To do this, hold the vent cover while pressing together both metal spring clips. Slip the clips back into their slots inside the fan housing. Gently push the cover back onto the ceiling.

▥ For larger-scale plumbing maintenance and handyman needs, contact a qualified general contractor who specializes in residential and commercial plumbing work. They can provide professional and affordable plumbing services for homes, apartments, office buildings, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and much more.

Handyman Services in Indianapolis

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable handyman repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions regarding home restoration and repair. Call 317-454-3612 to schedule an assessment, today!

How to Install an Interior Sliding Barn Door

Door Installation 317-454-3612

Door Installation 317-454-3612

Sliding barn doors are one of the most currents trends for indoor home décor. They come pre-manufactured in several different styles, colors, and finishes, but you can also re-purpose an old door with a little sanding, priming, and painting! If you are considering a sliding barn door for an area in your home, you are on the right track toward that modern farmhouse country look you have in mind!

Continue reading to learn just how easy it is to install a sliding barn door system all on your own.

What You’ll Need:

🛠 Sliding Barn Door System w/Hardware
🛠 Socket Wrench
🛠 Drill
🛠 Drill Bit
🛠 Router w/Half Bit
🛠 Metal Cutter
🛠 Level
🛠 Awl
🛠 Utility Gloves
🛠 Safety Goggles
🛠 Tape Measure
🛠 Drywall Anchors
🛠 Mounting Board
🛠 Cutting Oil

The sliding barn door system that you choose should come with the proper hardware needed to install it, including 2″ flat steel track, track joint brackets, spacers, screws, lag bolts, carriage bolts, hanger rollers, a bottom roller guide, and bottom rollers. The rest of the tools and supplies you’ll need can be purchased at your local home improvement store of choice. They range in price depending on brand, retailer, quality, and more.

Are You are Ready to Get Started?

In the first step, you will need to attach the mounting board. This will provide the necessary support for the actual barn door. Start by custom cutting the mounting board to fit the tracks. Cut the mounting board to match the length of the track, but make the width just a little wider than the track. To secure the mounting board, you will need your drywall anchors, lag bolts, and spacers.

The next step involves putting together the track. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the steel track using your joint brackets. You will need to cut the track to the length you need. It should be twice the width of the door. This will allow the door to open all the way to reveal the entire entry space.

Next, you will need to measure where the holes will go to attach the track to the mounting board and wall. Then use your metal cutting drill bit to drill the holes you marked. To prevent the drill bit from slipping on the metal, use your awl to make a seat for it while you work. Use your cutting oil in the drill holes to regulate heat.

Now you are ready to install the track and spacers. Measure the track system and use your lag bolts to attach it to the mounting board and wall. Be sure it is level!

Last, you will need to install the hanger rollers and the actual barn door. It is wise to have a partner for this step since the door is usually pretty heavy. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the hanger rollers to the door. You will need the provided carriage bolts, nuts, and washers for this step. Use your socket wrench to tighten it all up, and then attach the bottom rollers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Now just hang the door on the track!

Indianapolis Door Installation and Handyman Service

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling
317-454-3612

For professional door installation and similar handyman services, call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for quality service you can trust. Owner, Lee Elliot, is an experienced general contractor who offers a wide range of professional home remodeling, repair, and restoration services at the most competitive prices around. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to request an estimate, today.