A leaky bathroom fan can be an easy fix—if you know how to detect the issue
If you’ve noticed your bathroom fan leaking water lately, don’t fret. When you find unexpected water in your bathroom, it can be tempting to jump to the worst-case scenario. Luckily, a leaking exhaust fan could be an easy fix for you or a bathroom pro to tackle.
There are a few reasons you can have a leaky bathroom fan, and most of them are pretty straightforward fixes.
Bathroom exhaust fans remove moisture as rapidly as possible so water doesn’t accumulate and cause damage to your home. It’s why everything around you is still (relatively) dry when you step out of a hot shower.
Usually, the fan pulls warm, wet air from the bathroom and distributes it to the attic. But if this condensation accumulates in your attic, it can cause water leakage. On a chilly day, this moist air will condense on anything below its dew point, such as nails or sheathing made of tar paper.
Dripping condensation is not a good thing. Left unchecked, it can cause mold growth, lead to wood rot, and attract termites and other pests.
Trust us: The water damage restoration process can be complex, so it’s important to keep an eye out for early signs.
We’re willing to guess that inspecting the dark, dingy attic isn’t on your daily list of chores. That is, until you notice the problem at hand—the exhaust fan in your bathroom dripping water. If water damage prevision hasn’t been top of mind, that makes it crucial to respond to the problem as quickly as possible.
Here are some easy tips for determining why your bathroom vent isn’t doing its job correctly.
If you notice water dripping from your bathroom exhaust fan after you shower, it may be a sign of condensation in the duct. In winter, the warm bathroom air turns cold from the freezing attic or outdoor temperatures. The air condenses into tiny droplets that fall back down through the standard duct system.
In the summertime, when a hot and humid pipe cools with an AC unit, your exhaust fan can drip moisture from those extra-humid bathroom vapors as well.
If you live in a perpetually cool or chilly place and don’t have insulation in your ducts or pipes, ice will accumulate, leading to condensation. And more condensation means more water leaks from your fan.
In some instances, water accumulates in your bathroom fan vent when it rains. If the fan is not installed correctly—you guessed it—water drops.
The purpose of the damper flap is to channel airflow and prevent any water from moving upward into your ducts. If you're experiencing issues with drips and leaks, your damper flap likely needs to be replaced. While this isn't easily accomplished by yourself, an electrician near you can replace this quickly.
Thanks to its prime, perched position on your roof, the vent for your roof fan may suffer from wind and other weather-related damage. So, it probably doesn't come as a surprise that the vent cover for a bathroom's ceiling fan would be similarly susceptible to damage and debris. Water can pass through its cover, and there are some obvious signs that you need a new one.
Take a good look at the roof vent cover to ensure it is not damaged or installed incorrectly. If it appears fine from the outside, water may leak into the duct from somewhere else. Either way, you should contact a local roofer as soon as possible to fix this problem.
Sometimes water drips from a bathroom fan because it's too cold. Insulate your ventilation pipe to more effectively control the temperature and prevent condensation.
If it’s pretty chilly in your attic and you have condensation problems with your fan, inadequate attic insulation may be part of the problem. Attic insulation costs between $1,500 and $3,500.
Is the fan from your bathroom exhaust right over your shower or bathtub? This means it’s taking in air at its warmest point, causing the air to condense quickly in chilly ventilation pipes.
To prevent water from dripping, move the fan as far away from the shower or tub as possible. This will ensure that the air passes through an insulated pipe before exiting into a cold environment.
To get rid of moisture, turn on the fan while taking a shower or bath and run it for 10 to 15 minutes afterward. That way, condensation doesn't build up and remain in the pipes. And don’t forget to clean your bathroom exhaust fan to prevent buildup and malfunctioning.
Most bathroom fans last between five and ten years. Older and slower ventilation fans are less effective at moving moisture out of the bathroom. To ensure your bathroom stays moisture-free, replace your fan when it’s reached the end of its life.
Some manufacturers make it easy to install bathroom vents in a few hours. But it’s always best to hire a local bathroom fan installer to get the job done right.
Running a dehumidifier in the bathroom can reduce the amount of water dripping from your bathroom fan. If you live in a humid climate, you may already own a standalone dehumidifier that you can roll into the bathroom.
These units remove moisture from the air, help prevent mold and mildew growth, and can make a room feel more comfortable on a hot, humid day. You can purchase a whole-house dehumidifier for an average cost of $1,300 to $2,800.
Fixing a bathroom fan that’s leaking water is only part of the solution. If that exhaust fan has been dripping for a while, it’s possible it’s done some more extensive water damage to the ceiling, including the drywall and wood framing.
Grab a ladder, unplug and remove the fan, and shine a flashlight in the ceiling cavity to inspect for signs of mold and water damage. Look for rotted wood and a musty mildew smell. If the damage is bad, you may be able to spot it without removing your fan or getting on a ladder at all; just look up for stains, peeling paint, or brown spots on the ceiling.
If you aren’t comfortable climbing the ladder yourself—or aren’t sure you’ll spot all the signs of an issue as well as a pro would—you can find a mold inspector in your area to take a look.
Just be sure to tackle any water damage in the bathroom quickly. It’s important to repair water-damaged drywall and ceilings, as well as water-damaged baseboards and floorboards before the issue gets worse.
Whether you need to install a dehumidifier or bathroom vents, the repairs needed to fix your leaky bathroom fan are best handled by a pro. The HVAC system if your home is sensitive and complicated—hire an expert who knows how to make these repairs right the first time before you cause further damage.
In addition, anytime water is leaking, there is a chance of water damage, mold, or mildew. A proper inspection, handled by a local mold inspector expert, is the best way to protect yourself—and your house—from these issues.
If you notice water dripping from your bathroom fan, you likely have an accumulation of condensation. The fan pulls warm, wet air from your bathroom and into the attic. However, if the water accumulates as condensation over time, it can begin to drip back out of your bathroom fan. It’s important to take action quickly to prevent mold growth and water damage.
Call a licensed electrician if your fan is dripping. This is especially important since the work involves electrical equipment combined with a water leak—a recipe for electrocution in novice hands. If you’ve waited too long and there is mold growth or water damage, you may need to call in more professionals to handle those problems, too.
A bathroom fan lasts between five and ten years, depending on its quality, how it’s installed, and how often you use it. If you notice your fan is no longer working as well as it once did, consider replacing it before it stops working altogether. Installing a bathroom fan costs between $240 and $550.
