If you happen to’ve observed damp, mould and lingering condensation in your toilet, it might be an indication that it is time to substitute your extractor fan – or it’s possible you’ll discover these issues worsening over time.
The finest extractor fan helps maintain your toilet free from damp and nasty odours, which is why guaranteeing it is in tip-top situation and doing its job correctly is essential.
Under, our air flow consultants reveal the 4 warning indicators that your extractor fan is in want of an improve, so you may get your toilet feeling recent and dry as soon as once more.
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1. Lingering steam and condensation
Does your toilet keep steamy lengthy after you’ve got completed your bathe? Is your mirror utterly foggy? Does condensation run down the partitions?
If the reply is sure as much as half an hour later, Michael Zohouri, founding father of Pyramid Eco, says these might be indicators that your toilet extractor fan shouldn’t be working accurately.
The fan is designed to take away extra moisture from the air, so the truth that it is build up in your surfaces reveals that one thing is not proper. Whereas this does not mechanically imply you want a brand new one, it’s best to initially examine whether or not it is soiled, incorrectly put in or the mistaken dimension in your room.
Envirovent
SIL100 Silent-100 Axial Silent Extractor Fan
Voted the most suitable choice in our purchasing information, this fan can extract 26 litres per second and acquired a Quiet Mark award for its low noise.
Manrose
Qf100t Quiet Fan Lavatory Extractor Fan
Consuming simply 4.8W, this energy-efficient fan is nicely price contemplating and has an adjustable timer.
Xpelair
C4ts 4″/100mm Merely Silent Contour Extractor Fan Timer Delay
One other favorite of ours, this ultra-quiet extractor fan encompasses a ‘twist-and-click’ system, which makes it a breeze to put in.
Michael Zohouri is the founding father of Pyramid Eco, bringing over a decade of expertise to the corporate. His experience spans energy-efficient retrofitting initiatives, together with insulation, photo voltaic and warmth pump installations.
2. It is making uncommon noises
Michael Zohouri says that uncommon noises are one other key signal that your toilet extractor fan could be damaged.
If you happen to’ve observed any new rattling or buzzing noises that weren’t there earlier than, he warns that the motor or bearings could be on their approach out. It could additionally take longer to start out up or cease working intermittently.
3. There are black spots in your sealant or partitions
When water vapour condenses on cooler surfaces (such because the partitions, ceilings and windowsills), these damp circumstances may cause mould spots to type on locations like your toilet sealant. That is one other sturdy indication that your extractor fan is not working effectively – or in any respect.
“An underperforming extractor fan can permit moisture to construct up within the toilet,” says Rob Stevens, Air flow and HVAC Skilled at Facet. “Black spots that maintain returning on sealant or close by surfaces could be a signal that moisture shouldn’t be being cleared successfully and mildew is forming.”
Rob is HVAC Commerce Supervisor at property upkeep firm, Facet. He has greater than 15 years’ expertise throughout air-con, air flow and mechanical air flow with warmth restoration (MVHR) methods.
4. Steam escapes if you open the toilet door
“If you happen to discover a cloud of steam escaping as quickly as you open the toilet door, it’s an indication that moist air is accumulating quite than being drawn outdoors,” explains Rob Stevens.
Not solely does this have an effect on your toilet (see the earlier level), however it could possibly additionally decide on colder surfaces in the remainder of your private home, corresponding to bed room partitions, inflicting damp patches or darkish spots of mould to look.
Do I want to interchange my toilet extractor fan?
If you happen to expertise any of the indicators above, then sure, there’s a good likelihood that you’re going to want to interchange your extractor fan. Nevertheless, earlier than you do, Michael Zohouri says you possibly can perform the next checks first:
1. Clear your extractor fan: “You would be shocked how a lot mud builds up behind the grilles. Isolate the facility earlier than eradicating any covers, and solely clear the elements the producer says are secure to entry.”
2. Attempt the bathroom paper examine: “Maintain [a sheet of toilet paper] towards the extractor grille whereas it is operating,” he says. “If there’s barely any pull, that means you are not getting a lot airflow. It is not a correct airflow take a look at, however it’s a helpful first examine.”
If all the pieces appears to be like good however your extractor fan nonetheless is not working, it might be price calling in knowledgeable to have a look.
Extractor followers play a significant position in holding your toilet recent and damp-free, so it is necessary to get yours checked or changed as quickly as you discover any of those indicators.
Discovered this useful? You might also need to discover out whether or not you should use a dehumidifier within the toilet or how one can establish damp within the toilet. Or, learn our information to the indicators and causes of mould within the toilet, and one of the best methods to stop it.


