HOW TO INSTALL A BATHROOM EXTRACTION FAN ON A BUDGET! #day40oflockdown

Condensation or damp steam after a bath or shower is caused when excess moisture meets a colder surface like a wall or window. If this process repeats over a long period of time and is left untreated the condensation damp can lead to mould and severe damage to your home.

There are two methods of removing condensation from your home; in this article we`ll focus primarily on the bathroom.

  1. Is to open the window and let cold air from outside come in

  2. Install a ventilation system. 

If you have a large family like mine and you’re all on lockdown together in the same house then lots of showers are going to be taken. Lots of showers = lots of condensation. Condensation, in turn, causes devastating structural rot if left untreated. Excess moisture is a catalyst for mould and mildew. The best apparatus for expelling condensation is an extraction fan otherwise known as a ventilation fan. This article intends to give you useful tips that you can use to install a bathroom ventilation fan yourself.

Send us a text on WhatsApp to get a guide on selecting the right bathroom ventilation fan.

Replacing an existing fan with a new one is a relatively easy DIY project if the new unit will fit in the existing opening and can be connected to the existing outlet pipe.

Installing a new fan is made very easy if there is a light fixture in the center of the bathroom. The reason being that you will not have to worry about a good power source because one good one is already fitted there for you.  If there is no ceiling light fixture in your bathroom you would need to create a new power line.  Before you install the fan housing here`s the list of materials and things needed.

Pliers

Drill

Jigsaw

Measuring tape

Mounting Tape

Plastic Caulking Gun

PVC Duct Pipe (Outlet Pipe)

Screws

Spirit Level

When your outlet pipe is going through the roof you may also need cement and or sealant, Roof tiles and silicon. Some additional tools may include:

Shingles and roof nails

Hammer

Stepladder

Safety Goggles

Mask

Safety Harness when doing roof work)

Sanding Paper (to smooth the edges of the ceiling if you are cutting it open)

 

In this article we will focus on the outlet pipe going out through a hole you’ll make in the wall with the tools and materials mentioned above.

Step-by-Step Installation guide

1. Switch OFF the electricity to the existing light fixture.

2. Remove the light fixture.

3. Trace around the housing of your new extraction fan.

4. Using your jigsaw cut out the drawing 

5. Attach the outlet pipe and insert the housing up into the opening.

6. Secure the housing to the ceiling with the screws provided (Make sure that all the screws have been tightly fastened. This will do well towards ensuring that the fan will not vibrate or cause rattling noises after)

7. Most extraction fans come with a manufacturer’s wiring diagram. With the power off; connect the extraction fan to the exposed power outlet wires in the middle of your cut out in the ceiling.

8. Attach the fan fixture to the housing and attach the grille to the fixture with the screwdriver.

9. Screw-in the lightbulb and attach the diffuser.

10. Mark the location for the vent cap and cut out the hole.

11. Use sandpaper to remove any loose debris around the hole.

12. Apply silicone caulk around the perimeter of the cap and slide it in the opening.

13. Fasten the cap to the wall with galvanized screws.

14. Connect the outlet pipe to the vent cap and test the system. 

Viola! You’re done.

 A little more education on the consequences of condensation below: