Bathroom fans don’t usually make a lot of vibration noise but when they do you need to fix them as soon as possible.
Keeping your bathroom fan quiet won’t be difficult when you know the problem.
In this article, we will identify some of the reasons behind the vibration noise of your bathroom fan, and we’ll also see how you can fix them on your own.
You may sometimes need to call an expert if the problem isn’t fixed.
Let’s get started.
Causes of a noisy bathroom fan
- Old Motor
- Vibrations from the motor
- Blocked or misaligned fan blades
- Narrow air ducts
- Loose parts or loose mounting equipment
In detail, let’s discuss the causes of a noisy and vibrating bathroom fan.
After you read it all, you will have to identify the issue of your noisy bathroom fan.
We will also try to come to solutions to the problems so that you get to have a more peaceful experience with your bathroom fan.
1) An old motor
When you hear some humming noise from your bathroom fan, there may be a problem with the motor of your bathroom fan.
Since bathroom fans face constant exposure to dust, moisture, and other debris, motors are more likely to get damaged often.
The motor in a fan is the main part that makes it work efficiently.
If the motor gets damaged, the fan won’t work anymore.
So you need to take care of the motor’s maintenance to ensure your bathroom fan is working efficiently.
The older the motor gets, the more likely it is to get weaker and less efficient.
If you don’t take proper care of the motor and keep exposing it to dust, moisture, and other debris, it will die soon.
Don’t leave too much gunk on it.
If the fan motor is left like that for too long, it could break the whole fan.
And naturally, when it gets older, it will not spin as efficiently as it used to, eventually making sounds.
So, let’s see how we can fix this problem.
Fixing an old bathroom fan motor
Although, as mentioned above, an old bathroom fan motor will eventually die, and it cannot work as efficiently as it used to do when it was new.
But still, if you don’t have the budget to replace it with a new bathroom fan motor, try to clean it properly and then lubricate it.
This will probably work for you to make your bathroom fan quieter and more efficient.
Maybe after proper cleaning and lubrication, it will work sound-free and maybe its life extends.
To clean and lubricate the fan motor, you only need a rag, a small brush like an old toothbrush or a microfiber cloth, and a spray can of WD-40, which is easily available on Amazon.
Now to start with the cleaning process, make sure you turn the fan off before touching it.
Remove the fan cover and use the rag to clean all the dust and other debris that may be accumulated on the fan’s motor.
Next, with the help of an old toothbrush or a microfiber cloth, clean all the fine details of the motor, fan blades and fan casing.
When you see that it’s properly cleaned, now you should apply a generous amount of WD-40 to all the parts of the motor and the fan blades.
Also, remember to pay close attention to the joints of the fan and its motor.
After you’re done with the lubrication, place the fan cover back and turn on the fan.
See if you notice any kind of difference in the noise.
If you don’t see any improvement, the motor is too old to work efficiently, so you must replace it with a new one.
But don’t worry; we will further discuss some other tips and tricks that may work for you before you upset your budget by buying a new motor.
2) A motor that vibrates a lot
Usually, bathroom fan motors vibrate, but if it vibrates too much, that may cause a lot of noise too.
Especially if it is in direct contact with metal or is too high powered for the fan you own, you will hear a lot of vibration noise.
Fan motors must generate enough power to spin the blades efficiently, which may cause vibration and noise.
To make it a bit quieter, you need to fix this problem.
Fixing the fan motor that vibrates a lot
To fix your bathroom fan motor, if it vibrates too much, you need to use rubber or any other soft soundproofing material that may absorb the noise.
Soft materials like rubber make the intensity of the vibrations less.
Also, they help provide your motor with a bumper that absorbs shock so that the natural vibrations of the motor may not clang against any metal or noisy material.
This technique will help you experience a more tranquil and peaceful experience with your bathroom fan.
So, to place the rubber that may absorb the vibrations of your bathroom fan, first, you need to turn the fan off.
Then remove the outer cover and wipe the fan and its mounting with a damp rag to ensure it’s clean and dust free.
Now cut the rubber to place in small strips about 1 inch wide.
Make sure the rubber you use is adhesive that may stick to the vent easily.
While sticking it, ensure not to block the fan’s blades.
Now place the fan’s cover back and turn the fan on to notice the difference in the noise it was making.
Hopefully, it will be quiet now.
So, enjoy the silence.
3) Blocked or misaligned fan blades
The clinging and rattling sound that you may hear from your bathroom fan may be due to a dirty vent.
Bathroom fans are constantly exposed to dirt, dust, moisture, hair and humidity.
All these things together may stick to the bathroom fan blades, thus blocking the spinning motion.
In this case, the bathroom vent makes way more noise than usual because the fan blades are more likely to hit debris trapped in the cover.
Another reason can be the misalignment of the fan blades.
When this is the case, the fan blades may constantly hit the casing and the wires inside your bathroom vent, making constant noise when the fan is turned on.
Fixing blockage or misalignment of fan blades
It may sound like fixing fan blades may be a very complex process, but it’s not.
You can fix them easily without the help of any professional.
All you need to do is turn the fan off before touching any part of your bathroom fan.
Remove the outer cover from the vent and clean the fan cover properly with the help of vinegar and warm water.
You can also use any toothbrush to reach the details of your fan cover.
To ensure that the blade mechanisms are still in good shape, slide the blades back In shape if they are crooked or bent.
After cleaning the entire fan and making it free from debris, notice if the fan is making any noise after you turn it on.
Most probably, your fan will not make any more noise.
4) Narrow air ducts
A narrow air duct can also be a major cause of making your fan noisy.
The whooshing, buzzing and banging noise from your fan is probably due to the narrow air ducts.
A bathroom fan pushes air through metal ducts to remove it from your home.
So when the duct is narrow, the air will pass through it with more pressure making more noise.
Let me explain it to you with an example.
If you breathe normally with your mouth open, you won’t make any sounds while you breathe.
But if you close your mouth and lips while breathing, you are likelier to make whistling sounds.
So the difference in noise between a narrow air duct and a wider air duct is similar to the difference between breathing and whistling through the mouth.
In today’s new constructions of houses, most of them have a wider air duct that is about 6 inches wide.
However, most old houses constructed in older times have installed air ducts that are only 3 or 4 inches wide.
Fixing the narrow ductwork
You’ll be surprised that a narrow air duct can also be fixed.
You just need to buy an adapter like Hon&Guan’s Straight Duct Increaser and Reducer.
This is easily available on Amazon.
They are very easy to install and work very efficiently with bathroom fans.
To seal the tubing while you install the adaptor, you will also need duct tape, which you can buy from Amazon, where you’ll find a lot of variety.
5) Loose mounting equipment
Brocken or loose mounting equipment may also cause the vibrating and rattling noise produced constantly by your bathroom fan.
Since the bathroom fan motor works forcefully, it vibrates when turned on.
All the screws, brackets and clips that hold the motor and the fan together can get loose with constant vibrations.
So when the screws, brackets and clips get loose, they cause more clinging noise because of the vibrations.
This issue is nothing to worry about.
Let’s see an easy solution to this problem.
Fixing a bathroom fan with loose mounting equipment
First, check if the loose mounting equipment is the problem to ensure you’re working on the right problem.
Remove the outer cover and try to shake the fan a little bit.
If it wriggles around, then it’s the loose mounting equipment.
So when you’re sure you reached the right problem, the solution is very simple.
You just have to tighten the loose mounting equipment.
Turn the fan off and remove the cover.
Tighten all the screws using a screwdriver.
Especially pay attention to the screws near the fan blades, the motor and the fan’s inner panel.
Now, place the cover back and turn the fan on to see any improvement.
Most probably, this will work on making your fan a lot quieter.
Conclusion
So, the above article discusses all the possibilities of why your bathroom fan may be making vibration noise.
When you reach out to the problem, the solutions are very easy.
You can always try the next method if one method doesn’t work.
So, what are you waiting for?
Make your bathroom fan noise free and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
FAQs
1)Why is my bathroom fan making a vibration noise?
A: There are several possible reasons, including loose fan blades, worn-out motor bearings, unbalanced fan blades, or improper installation.
2) How can I fix a vibrating bathroom fan?
A: The solution depends on the specific cause. Tightening loose screws, replacing worn-out motor bearings, and balancing fan blades are all possible fixes.
3) Can a vibrating bathroom fan cause damage?
A: Yes, a vibrating fan can cause damage over time, including damage to the fan itself, the housing, or other bathroom fixtures.
4) Can I fix a vibrating bathroom fan myself?
A: Depending on the cause of the vibration and your level of expertise, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. However, it’s important to proceed with caution and follow proper safety precautions.
5) When should I call a professional to fix my vibrating bathroom fan?
A: If you’re unsure of the cause of the vibration or don’t feel comfortable making repairs yourself, it’s best to call a professional. Additionally, if the fan is still vibrating after attempting DIY fixes, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.