Where Do Bathroom Vents Go?
Satisfy your “exhausting” curiosity
Highlights
You can mount a bathroom vent in two places: the wall or the ceiling.
Ceiling vents should be routed through the roof or siding, but not into the attic.
Installing a bathroom vent costs $240 to $560.
No room builds up moisture quite like a bathroom, which is why it's so important that these spaces be properly ventilated. But it's not enough to just add a vent anywhere and call it a day. Their placement plays a significant role in keeping your bathroom dry and mildew-free. So, where do bathroom vents go? This guide will tell you exactly where they should be placed and routed.
Where Do Bathroom Vents Go?
A bathroom vent can be placed in only two places—the wall or the ceiling. Where you choose to install it will depend on the ventilation infrastructure you have in place, your bathroom layout, and the size of the bathroom exhaust fan option you install.
Wall Mount
To prevent electrical hazards, wall-mounted bathroom vents should be placed a minimum of 60 centimeters away from plumbing fixtures, like your tub or toilet. Usually, that means you’ll want to install them above the top half of the wall, in a spot where they won’t be blocked by furnishings. This option might not be the right pick for you if you’re already dealing with limited bathroom square footage and don’t have any wall space to sacrifice.
Ceiling Mount
With ceiling-mounted vents, proximity to plumbing fixtures isn’t a concern. Also, they aren't obstructed by objects in your bathroom, making them a good pick for small lavatories.
How Are Bathroom Vents Routed?
Just like there are only two places to mount a bathroom vent, there are also only two exhaust fan route options.
Through the Roof
Ceiling-mounted vents must be routed through the ductwork in your roof to an external exhaust pipe or have special ductwork installed to accommodate them. Whatever you do, ensure that no air is getting ventilated directly into your attic, as this can cause mold and mildew buildup over time.
Through an Exterior Wall
Wall-mounted vents will need to be routed out through your home’s siding. Because most ductwork is installed through the roof, you may need to install additional ducts to make this possible.
How to Maintain Bathroom Vents
Once your vents are up and running, there are a few things you can do to keep them in good shape.
Remove Obstructions
Anything that could interfere with your vent’s ability to circulate air out of your bathroom should be moved to a different spot. If that’s not possible, consider installing the vent in a different place to begin with, like a free zone on the wall or in the ceiling. Similarly, this can affect how you choose a bathroom exhaust fan, as they come in many different sizes that don’t fit in all types of bathrooms.
Clean Regularly
Thanks to all the heavy lifting bathroom vents do of circulating out moisture, they need to be cleaned every six months unlike the other vents in your home which won’t need as frequent care. When cleaning, make sure that the electricity is turned off and that no water is running to avoid any risks.
Keep an Eye Out for Damages
Noticing damages the moment they occur is the best way to avoid the need for costly bathroom vent replacements. If you can’t feel air circulating even though the system is turned on, this is a sign that it’s time to hire a duct installer near you to take a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to install a bathroom vent ranges from $240 to $560 for all the materials and labor involved. You’ll pay more for projects like these if you don’t have existing infrastructure, or if you’re installing more than one vent. Adding ductwork can increase your final bill by anywhere from $250 to $950.
Bathroom vents' expected life span is about 10 years, but it can be even less without proper care and regular maintenance. Dust and debris, such as hair trimmings and excess moisture, are more likely to build up in vents installed in such spaces, which is why it’s so important to clean them every six months.