Faulty bathroom extractor fan

Mekrel · 10 Dec 2022 at 12:53

I bought a new build flat back in 2018 and not long after the bathroom extractor fan in the ensuite started to make a very loud laboured noise before eventually dying. With the flat still under warranty, the developers came around and replace the fan with a different model, claiming other flats had similar issues.

Problem is, not long after the new fan started showing the same issues. The developers have been useless on other issues myself and my neighbours had, and so decided to not bother chasing them for this issue. Replacing the fan myself is something I've been meaning to get around to but haven't until today, but wanted to check with more knowledgeable people on here as to what to look out for because there must be a reason two fans have died?

The developer said (and so did the welcome pack) that the flats are very airtight and not to run the fan without having the ensuite window trickle vent open - which I've always left open.

Areas I want to check with you, based on the below pictures:
1) Does the ducting look okay? I believe there should be a u-bend after the fan so condensation doesn't drip back into the fan? I can't seem to access above the ensuite from the loft hatch to see the ducting itself

2) Does the wiring look okay to the fan control unit? Apart from the fact they're left the PCB dangling from the wires rather than clipping it back to the install bracket?

3) Anything else to consider? You'll see how much a bodge job they've done as they've used plugs not suitable for plasterboard and one of the holes has been drilled too close to the vent access!

Fan is on a timer, non humidistat if that helps.

LuckyBenski · 10 Dec 2022 at 12:59

I'd check the fan was actually fitted to the ducting properly - if it's working too hard it may be because the run is too long or the fan is just blowing into the cavity.

There's a brown mark on the PCB - this might be a failure point but it might just be a component that is known to get warm (check rear of PCB).

Was the earth wire left hanging like that? I'd sleeve it and terminate or insulate it so it's not likely to short on anything, though you'd soon know if that had been the fault.

Mekrel · 10 Dec 2022 at 14:18

The ducting was very loose if my honest, the vent has metal arms that spread out to grip if you tighten a screw. Can I use some duct tape to ensure a snug fit?

Yeah the earth wire was just dangling like that.

BUDFORCE · 10 Dec 2022 at 14:28

Can you get into your loft?

I'd put a vent plate over that then put an in line fan above.

Mekrel · 10 Dec 2022 at 15:04

BUDFORCE said:
Can you get into your loft?

I'd put a vent plate over that then put an in line fan above.

That was my initial plan, but I don't think I can get access. Only loft access is in the communal area right outside my front door, but there's a wall which makes sense as each flat is sealed off completely for fire regulation.

LuckyBenski · 10 Dec 2022 at 16:29

Mekrel said:
The ducting was very loose if my honest, the vent has metal arms that spread out to grip if you tighten a screw. Can I use some duct tape to ensure a snug fit?

Yeah the earth wire was just dangling like that.

I think duct tape should work given the name! I do find it ages over some years and goes gooey or unstuck. But probably will serve well enough so long as the main duct is fitted ok.