Why is my bathroom fan not working?

A bathroom extractor fan is a simple but vital piece of kit. It consists of an electrically powered motor which runs fan blades. The warm, moist air is extracted through ducting to the outside through a vent.

You might not notice when your bathroom fan stops working, but you’ll soon notice lingering condensation or a build-up of mould.

Finding out why your bathroom extractor fan stopped working and fixing it is a must.

Read on for possible causes, solutions, and when to call in the professionals.

What causes a bathroom fan to stop working?

So, what can go wrong to cause such a simple piece of kit to stop working?

A list of common failures to look out for includes:

• Power supply – if the fan is plugged in, there could be connection issues like a blown fuse or a loose connection
• Blocked vent – there might be something blocking your vent’s airflow, like dust, debris or even a bird’s nest
• Motor damage – humidity and dust can cause a fan’s motor to burn out; this cannot be fixed and needs a like-for-like replacement
• Wiring Issues – damaged or improper wiring can disrupt your fan’s electrical connection
• Blades inside the fan housing – these could begin to seize up due to moisture passing through the fan
• Age – if your extractor fan is getting on in years, wear and tear could be the cause of its failure

Can a bathroom fan burn out?

Yes, it is extremely common for a bathroom fan to burn out or seize up.

If your extractor fan makes a rattle or loud noise when it rotates, that’s a warning sign for the motor and fan.

How do you test if a bathroom fan is working?

There is an easy way to test for a bathroom extractor fan not working.

Place a square of toilet paper against the fan while running.

If the paper stays attached to the fan, it’s working just fine. If not, you know your bathroom extractor fan stopped working.

How do I fix my bathroom fan?

We recommend calling in the professionals.

This is because there can be many causes of a bathroom fan not working.

An extractor fan expert or electrician can help you find the cause of the failure and provide the correct fix.

How to stop a draught from a bathroom extractor fan

Bathroom extractor fans reduce smells, steam, condensation and mould. But they can feel pretty drafty come wintertime.

There’s good news! There are ways to stop draught from bathroom extractor fans.

Try these top hacks:

• Seal them when not in use with manual vent covers or a plastic casing
• Check for and replace worn seals regularly
• Considering installing a backdraft damper
• If you have a manual vent cover, close it when your fan isn’t in use
• Insulate your fan’s extraction ducts
• Install a weatherproof vent cover
• Seal any gaps around your extractor fan
• Consider upgrading to a newer model with draft-prevention

Check out more home ventilation solutions or ways to draught proof your home.

How to repair a bathroom exhaust fan that’s not working

If you decide to replace your bathroom exhaust fan yourself, first disconnect the power supply.

Then, remove the casing and take a picture of the existing wiring going into the fan as you disconnect it. That way, you’ll know how it goes back together.

But diagnosing why an existing fan stopped working can be challenging. An electrician can spot an easily rectifiable issue and quickly repair the faulty unit. They can also tell you when you need a replacement.

Find an electrician near you today to get help with your broken bathroom fan.

FAQs

Regular cleaning and professional maintenance can extend the life of your bathroom extractor fan.

Choosing a high-quality and professional fan installation can also give your fan a longer life.

How do you unblock a bathroom extractor fan?

If it’s just built-up dust and grime clogging your extractor fan, try using washing-up liquid to de-grease it.

If there is a large build-up of first and grime, turn the power off and remove your grease filter. Check for larger blockages (like a bird’s nest).

Then, soak the grease filter in warm, soapy water. Add some bicarbonate of soda for extra cleaning power.

Remember to dust and scrub the inside of the open unit. But let it thoroughly dry out before replacing the cover.

Find out more with our guide – how to clean your extractor fan.

Can I replace a bathroom fan myself?

We’d recommend hiring a professional when it comes to any electrical work.

Here’s how to find an electrician near you.