Bathroom fan stopped working or noisy - How to fix, by Inspire DIY on YouTube. 3 min 39 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 39 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Switch off the fan at the wall switch, then turn off the circuit breaker for the bathroom at your fuse box. Test the fan switch to confirm there is no power.
Set up a step ladder under the fan. Unscrew the fan grille or cover and lift it away.
Pull the fan unit out of the ceiling or wall housing. Note which way it sits so you can refit it later.
Vacuum dust and fluff from the blades, the housing and the grille. Wipe the blades with a damp cloth.
Find the motor shaft and the bearing area at the centre of the fan. Spray a short burst of dry silicone lubricant onto the shaft.
Spin the blades by hand. They should turn freely and quietly. Add one more short spray if they still feel stiff.
Refit the fan unit into the housing and screw the grille back on.
Restore the power at the fuse box and the wall switch. Run the fan and listen for noise or rattle.
Tips and common mistakes
Use dry silicone spray, not oil or grease, because oil attracts dust and gums up the shaft.
Never spray lubricant while the power is on, and keep the spray away from the motor windings.
If the fan still hums or will not spin after cleaning and lubricating, the motor is likely worn and needs replacing.
Check the outside vent flap too, since a stuck flap makes the fan sound noisy and move less air.
Questions
What lubricant should I use on a bathroom fan?
A dry silicone spray is the usual choice. It lubricates the shaft without collecting dust the way oil or grease does.
Why is my bathroom extractor fan noisy?
Common causes are dust on the blades, a dry motor shaft or a loose grille. Cleaning and a short spray of silicone often quietens it.
When should I replace the fan instead of fixing it?
If the blades will not spin freely after cleaning and lubricating, or the motor hums without turning, fit a new fan of the same size.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
