How To Remove Bathroom Fan | Colorado Inspection Team

Unfortunately, there are many times when we go into the bathroom and just switch on the bathroom exhaust fan. Never think twice about it as the fan gradually makes a louder and louder sound. It’s as if we just block it out. Well, simply put, it’s time to change out the fan. The best part of many electrical units, when they are starting to fail at their job, you will know it. How to remove a bathroom fan? You will first turn off the electrical breaker to the specific bathroom fan. Project safety is key.

Let’s take a look below at some of the necessary steps to make this project a success.

The Best Way To Remove Bathroom Fan

Here is a step-by-step process that you can follow in order to complete the task. Keep in mind there are slight variations if you are replacing the entire unit and if you have no attic access.

Turning off the power-switching off the breaker for the fan outlet is key to avoiding electrocution and turning off the electrical wiring.
Remove the cover-gently pull the fan cover down towards you and push the metal housing clips together to release it.
Remove the light lens-squeeze the center of the light lens to unclip it. After this step, you might see a single screw. Remove the screw to disconnect the entire grille and light lens as one.
Remove the fan assembly-simply unplug the electrical clip that the fan assembly is connected in. You might just want to replace the fan and not the entire unit.
Disconnect the metal housing-most housings are attached to a joist beams with screws or nails. In most cases, you will need a reciprocating saw to cut the mounting screws from the metal housing. If you have attic access this might be easier to get to and remove.
Take off the ductwork-you will have an air duct connecting to your metal housing. Next, remove the duct by cutting the zip ties or tape that is holding it in place.
Separate the wiring-disconnect the wiring that is connected to the housing so you have it readily available for your new unit.
Remove the fan housing-this may require you to cut an inch out of the ceiling drywall. Your best bet is to remove the housing at an angle to save some stress of extra cutting.

No Attic Access

If you have no attic access, the steps might change slightly to remove a bathroom fan. However, the real difference is simply the difficulty in removing the metal housing.

Turn off the power-make sure that the breaker is switched off to avoid any electrocution.
Remove the ceiling cover-gently pull it down towards you and remove the cover. If it gets stuck, simply pinch the metal housing clips together.
Remove all wires-at this time, remove all wires and push the circuit wires out of the electrical box.
Cut out the housing-use a reciprocating saw to cut through any nails or screws that hold the housing in place.
Push the metal housing up – this will go into the ceiling joist cavity. Once you can reach up and grab the duct, remove it from the metal housing.
Pull the housing through-now pull the metal housing back through the ceiling hole and replace it with the new fan.

How Much Will It Cost

The costs to remove a bathroom fan varies based on your plans for the fan. If you are simply removing it to clean it, then your costs will be the labor charge of the electrician or contractor that you hire to remove it. A typical replacement fan costs $150 to $550 to install. Other options include swapping out the older unit with a newer unit. Also, this likely will run you $250 to $950 for the new unit and labor.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are in the bathroom, take a look under the sink and see if water is leaking. If there is, it could be the sink trap leaking. This sink trap or P trap keeps the sewer gases from getting into the home so it is important to check it out right away.

Next, take a look in your shower. Do you see black mold on the silicone? If you do, you can remove this. Spray distilled white vinegar on the mold and then wipe it off. This is the easiest way to take care of it so you will want to find out what is causing this to happen as it can be several things. Things such as making sure you run the exhaust fan, adding a dehumidifier, and spraying vinegar daily.

Lastly, look around the floor in your bathroom and the hallway it is in. Is your laminate flooring wearing out? Laminate flooring lasts 15-30 years but the average is 10 years. Additionally, if it is time to install a new floor, it is a great time to call a professional contractor to do this for you.

Electrician is great to call for any projects with electricity.

When Do I Call A Professional

Considering that you are dealing with electricity, it is a great idea to consider hiring a certified licensed electrician. Although the removal or removal and replacement might seem easy, you never want to put yourself at potential risk for harm. Call your local home inspection team and have them come out for your yearly inspection.

This will allow them to not only recommend a certified licensed electrician to take care of your bathroom fan needs, but also provide any other project needs after they have inspected the home. Once you have the referrals from your home inspection team, call around and collect a few quotes before determining who is more reliable to do the job.

Conclusion

Bathroom fans are a necessity in every bathroom. It is important to keep them in good working condition. Bathroom fans are important for keeping excessive moisture, and other air pollutants out of your bathroom. Understanding the information above can help you with maintaining a good working bathroom fan. Don’t forget that you can always call a professional for help. Colorado Inspection Team can take a look at your bathroom fan and other project repair needs during a home inspection in Castlerock, CO, and the Front Range areas.