Bathroom Extractor Fans – How to Pick, Install & Keep Them Working

Ever walked into a steamy bathroom and wished the fog would just disappear? A good bathroom extractor does that. It pulls humid air out, stops mould, and keeps your pipes from rusting. In this guide we’ll show you how to pick the right fan, fit it yourself, and fix the common hiccups that pop up.

Choosing the right bathroom extractor

First, think about the size of your room. Measure the floor area in square metres, then multiply by 10 to get the minimum cubic metres per hour (m³/h) the fan should move. If you have a large bathtub or a shower with a glass enclosure, add another 50 % to that number. Most DIY stores label fans with their airflow rating, so you can match it to your calculation.

Look at the noise rating too. Fans are rated in sones – lower numbers mean quieter operation. A fan under 1.5 sones is usually whisper‑quiet enough for a bedroom‑adjacent bathroom. If you’re on a tight budget, a basic 60‑mm fan will still do the job, but expect a bit more hum.

Don’t forget the type of vent. Some fans push air straight out through the wall, others route it up the roof. Wall‑mounted fans are easier to fit if you have an external wall nearby. Roof‑vented units need a pipe that runs up through the loft, which can be trickier but works well for flat‑roof homes.

DIY installation and common repair fixes

Got the right fan? Great. Here’s a quick step‑by‑step to get it hanging:

• Turn off the electricity. Switch off the circuit breaker for the bathroom to avoid any shocks.
• Prepare the opening. Most fans need a 100 mm hole in the ceiling. Use a hole‑saw, cut carefully, and clean the edge.
• Fit the housing. Slip the fan’s housing into the hole, tighten the screws, and seal the gap with silicone to stop leaks.
• Connect the wiring. Follow the colour code on the fan – usually live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow). Secure the connections with a connector block.
• Attach the duct. If you’re venting to the outside, connect the duct to the fan’s outlet, clamp it, and run it to the wall or roof vent. Keep the duct as short and straight as possible.
• Test it. Switch the power back on and turn the fan on. You should feel a steady pull of air and hear a low hum.

If the fan won’t start, check the circuit breaker first. A tripped breaker is the most common cause. Next, inspect the wiring connections – a loose screw can stop power from reaching the motor. Finally, listen for a buzzing sound; that usually means the motor is stuck and needs a little cleaning.

When a fan starts making rattles, it’s often the fan blade hitting dust or a loose mounting screw. Turn the fan off, remove the cover, and give the blade a gentle wipe. Tighten any wobbling screws, then replace the cover.

For fans that have lost suction, the duct might be blocked. Disconnect the duct, clear any debris, and check the vent grille outside for leaves or nests. A clear path restores airflow quickly.

If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, or if the fan motor smells burnt, call a professional. Trying to force a broken motor can damage the wiring and cost more to fix later.

Regular upkeep keeps the fan humming smoothly. Every few months, wipe the grill and run a vacuum over the duct opening. It only takes a few minutes and saves you from mould headaches down the line.

Bottom line: picking the right size, installing it safely, and giving it a quick clean now and then will keep your bathroom dry and fresh. When in doubt, a quick call to a qualified technician can save you time and keep the job done right.