Ventilation in the bathroom and toilet is a must. That is why, during the construction of apartment buildings, ventilation shafts go to these rooms. But in old houses, the quality of such mines does not always meet all the requirements. It can be with redevelopment or simple blockage. Therefore, it is important to additionally perform the installation of forced ventilation systems.
Ventilation duct device
Before you begin to work on your own, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of the ventilation duct. In a private house, a canal is led out through a roof or wall. In apartments, the situation is somewhat different, several apartments per floor join one riser. The lower the apartment, the more problems with ventilation.
The main types of ventilation
When building houses during design, the type of ventilation that will be used is selected. Today, two types can be distinguished:
- natural;
- forced.
The first option is due to the difference in pressure and temperature inside and outside the room. For better functioning, it is necessary that the air flow in the bathroom.
Forced ventilation system can be a complement to the natural. Or if the first option does not function well. The operation of such ventilation is carried out due to the operation of the fans.
Natural ventilation should work well. In some cases, it is enough to clean the shaft to restore functionality.
Checking ventilation performance
Check the operation of ventilation for each person. The first fact, which indicates that the system is working properly, is the lack of condensation on the surface of the mirror after taking a shower. The second method, which will let you know the functioning of ventilation, involves the use of a regular sheet of paper.
You need to open a window or window in any room and the door to the bathroom. After that, you need to bring a sheet of paper to the ventilation grill. If the system works normally, then the sheet will be pressed tightly and it will be difficult to remove it. Otherwise, the shaft is clogged and must be cleaned. With a weak air flow, it will be necessary to install devices for forced air exhaust.
Even with a good work of natural ventilation, the installation of additional devices guarantees the removal of excess moisture from the room and the influx of fresh air.
Rules for choosing a fan for the bathroom and toilet
In order for the ventilation in the bathroom to work properly, you need to be very responsible for the choice of fans that will be installed in the room.
- Noise level. During water procedures it will not be quite comfortable if the ventilation will work too noisy. It is best to choose devices with a minimum performance of no more than 40 dB. This information can be found directly on the manufacturer’s packaging.
- The fan motor is the most important component of the device. Best if it is mounted on bearings. This will significantly reduce the noise level and at times extend the life of the device.Therefore, ventilation for the toilet and bathroom will function without problems for a long period, while not reducing its performance.
- The entire system should be powerful enough to remove humid air and unpleasant odors that can spread throughout the apartment. The performance indicator indicates the amount of air mass that will be processed in one hour of operation. The choice of power also depends on the area of the room and how often the bathroom is used.
- An important factor is the appearance of the product. The simplest options are made of plastic. The front panel is made of plastic in the form of a grill that protects the fan. Instead of a grate, devices at a higher cost are equipped with a protective screen. It may have a screen on which indicators of the level of humidity and air temperature are displayed.
- In the event that the fan will be located in close proximity with a shower or bath, it is worth choosing models that are equipped with special protective panels.
It is the forced air ventilation system that is the key to a comfortable stay in the bathroom. Therefore, in addition to the selection, all devices must be correctly installed.
The main types of ventilation ducts
Qualitatively functioning ventilation in the bathroom prevents the formation of mold and fungus on surfaces and in inaccessible places, which not only spoil the appearance of the room, but also negatively affect human health.
In some cases, there is a need to make a path for the air masses. This can be if the fan is not located in the ventilation duct itself, but at a certain distance. Today, two types of boxes are used for this purpose:
- Plastic - can be round or rectangular in cross-sectional shape. Such a box is very easy to mount. In addition, it is favorably distinguished by perfectly smooth inner walls, which do not interfere with the passage of air masses.
- Corrugated box is most often used for laying small paths. Corrugated boxes can be hard and soft.
Regardless of the type chosen, when laying ventilation for the bathroom, it is important to control all joints. They must be completely airtight and do not allow air to pass through. It is also necessary to secure all the way to the wall or ceiling to prevent vibration during operation.
Do-it-yourself ventilation in the bathroom and toilet
If desired, ventilation in the bathroom can be done independently, but first you need to study some aspects that will help to cope with the work. The first thing you should start with is an assessment of the state of natural ventilation, measurements of the room and the acquisition of all necessary equipment. When choosing devices, it is important to take into account the size of the opening of the ventilation duct, this will prevent the need to expand it and thereby destroy the wall.
Today, forced ventilation devices are presented in a huge assortment, which allows everyone to choose the most suitable option. Ventilation for the bathroom should be performed in strict sequence.
After acquiring devices, you can put them without much effort. First you need to remove the old grate, which closed the shaft. If possible, you need to clean the channel at the maximum available distance. All garbage that is in the mine prevents the normal flow of air, as a result of which the system works many times worse.
Most fans are attached to the wall using self-tapping screws and dowels of the appropriate size. And there are models for fastening, which is enough to use ordinary silicone glue.
Mains connection
For the device to function, ventilation in the bathroom must be connected to the mains. There are several ways to work forced ventilation:
- The forced system may have a separate switch. If necessary, such a system is started using a switch and shuts down in this way.
- Work with light. Very often, installation is carried out by synchronizing with light. When you turn on the light in the bathroom starts also. After turning off the light, the fan stops working. It is recommended to make such a connection during the repair work, since you need to ditch the wall and lay the wiring to the switch.
- Compulsory ventilation devices for the bathroom and toilet of more expensive options are equipped with special sensors. Their action is aimed at controlling the level of humidity and air pollution. If the permissible level is exceeded, the device turns on automatically, but the connection to the electric network must be constant.
Ventilation for the bathroom and the rules for its operation
Any type of equipment needs preventive maintenance at regular intervals. This is especially true of the exhaust fan for the bathroom and toilet. Dust and various debris accumulate on its blades, which must be removed without fail. If this is not done, such ventilation for the bathroom will soon become less productive. And in some cases, contamination can lead to breakdowns.
Prevention of ventilation for the bathroom is an important type of work that needs to be done regularly. Inspect not only the fan blades, but also the main components. Only observance of the operating rules guarantees the normal functioning of ventilation for the bathroom and the maintenance of the indoor microclimate.
Performing high-quality ventilation for the bathroom guarantees fresh air in the room, the absence of unpleasant odors and a normal level of humidity. A normal microclimate and humidity level will not allow mold and mildew to develop in the bathroom, which in turn can cause the need for repair work.
Ventilation devices for the bathroom you need to choose only high-quality. It is best to give preference to trusted manufacturers. This will be a kind of guarantee a long service life of the entire system. Installation work is possible to perform on their own, for this you only need to follow the instructions. If there is no self-confidence, it is better to entrust all the work to specialists who have the necessary experience in this field.
