Improving bathroom vent fan airflow

Last Updated:
Jul 5th, 2021 9:41 pm

Tags:

None

SCORE

Reply to ThreadReply

Search this thread

Search this thread

Jul 5th, 2021 5:26 pm

coriolis [OP]: Deal Expert; May 22, 2005; 20876 posts; 6329 upvotes; GTA

Jul 5th, 2021 5:26 pm

Improving bathroom vent fan airflow

My mom lives in a 18 year old condo in the GTA. Thankfully well run with lots of upgrades over the years, and a great condo board.

Recently she's complained about bad washroom ventilation so I went to check it out, probably needs a new vent fan or cleaning. I opened the vent and it was empty. I do feel some airflow but it's.....really faint. No power plugs to install one either. Any idea how I can improve the airflow here?

Edit: To clarify, there is an open vent leading out, but no visible fan.

Images

Last edited by coriolis on Jul 5th, 2021 7:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

5 replies

Jul 5th, 2021 5:50 pm

fergy: Deal Fanatic; Sep 27, 2006; 5339 posts; 2193 upvotes; Not so easy there Ma…

Jul 5th, 2021 5:50 pm

Check that the flapper, if there is one, is not stuck closed and moves freely.

Jul 5th, 2021 7:09 pm

coriolis [OP]: Deal Expert; May 22, 2005; 20876 posts; 6329 upvotes; GTA

Jul 5th, 2021 7:09 pm

fergy wrote: ↑ Check that the flapper, if there is one, is not stuck closed and moves freely.

It is solid metal sheet on all solids there is one vent leading out but no visible fan. When I turn on the vent switch, I hear a vent (sounds the same as the one from turning on the dryer. Perhaps it is connected. I put the vent cover and put a piece of tissue against it, there is definitely some airflow.

Jul 5th, 2021 7:44 pm

pootza: Deal Fanatic; Dec 19, 2009; 5666 posts; 4005 upvotes

Jul 5th, 2021 7:44 pm

The vent would probably be connected to a central exhaust system which draws air from all condo washrooms.
Does it still draw air when the switch is off?

Jul 5th, 2021 8:03 pm

craftsman: Deal Expert; Jan 27, 2006; 21148 posts; 14672 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

Jul 5th, 2021 8:03 pm

Before doing too much, I would lodge a complaint with the condo board about the low airflow. There's a good chance that there might be a fan assembly deeper within the wall that needs cleaning due to 18 years of lint combined with the moisture from the bathroom.

+1

Jul 5th, 2021 9:41 pm

lamin: Deal Addict; Jan 21, 2011; 1287 posts; 685 upvotes; GTA

Jul 5th, 2021 9:41 pm

Normally there is one that would pick up bathrooms and dryer. Look for a bulkhead with access door. Vents might be clogged or fan is weak and or both.

Reply to Thread

Top

Thread Information

There is currently 1 user viewing this thread. (0 members and 1 guest)