Are You Having Problems With Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

Could you imagine what your bathroom experience would be like without your exhaust fan? If you have a window, it wouldn’t necessarily be an issue; but for those who lack a bathroom window and have a faulty exhaust fan, the situation is far from pleasant. What’s worse is, a broken exhaust fan in an otherwise ventless bathroom could pose serious health and safety risks. If your bathroom exhaust fan is acting up, whether you have a window or not, it is in your best interest to resolve the malfunction before things like mold, mildew, and wet walls cost you.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about bathroom exhaust fan breakdowns, and where to turn for trusted drywall and bathroom remodeling services if yours has already caused such structural damages.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

The Risk Behind a Broken Bathroom Exhaust Fan

When a bathroom exhaust fan stops working, or begins to fail, the primary risk is moisture. Moisture is created every time someone takes a steamy shower or runs the hot water faucet. Without a properly functioning fan, this excessive condensation seeps into the walls and turns into water, quickly causing mildew development, and overtime, fungal and mold growth.

What’s worse is, often times mold development goes unnoticed for long periods of time because it is trapped inside the walls. It is important to always keep your eyes out for signs of mold development, including peeling paint, wet walls, and warped drywall. Even floorboards can become over-saturated with moisture and develop mold, which often presents itself in the form of warped or wet flooring. It is vital to have all moldy walls removed and replaced with clean, fresh drywall, and that all mold outbreaks have been remediated by a certified service provider.

Repair a Broken Exhaust Fan ASAP

If your bathroom exhaust fan is broken, keep your window cracked for a little while during and after every hot shower or bath to ensure that most moisture is expelled outside. If you do not have a window in your bathroom, you must have your broken exhaust fan repaired or replaced promptly, otherwise, you take on the risk of developing a mold outbreak in your home, which will cost you more in the long run compared to fan repair expenses. Placing a floor fan in your bathroom also helps abate moisture retention, but should only be relied on temporarily while waiting to repair your exhaust fan.

Are you considering a bathroom remodel? Do you need professional drywall work? Contact Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for bathroom remodeling services or drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

How to Properly Maintain a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Bathroom Ceiling Heaters are Perfect for Winter
Master Bathroom Remodeling Hacks That are Actually Affordable

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

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!