Bathroom Vent Fan Leaking Water

Nothing should be dripping from your bathroom vent fan, but if it is, this could indicate one or more issues that need to be addressed before they develop into more serious and costly problems.

It is possible for water to get into this equipment and then drip out from the vent or from other places along the line. Because they are often installed in areas with significant humidity, vent fans should be designed to deal with moisture. Nonetheless, most are not waterproof and can develop a problem if there is too much moisture, such as what might be caused by a leaky roof, a shower that creates excessive steam, or a bathroom door that does not shut properly.

Here are some reasons a vent fan might begin leaking water:

Leaking roof: If you live in a multi-story building or have rooms located directly above your bathroom, a leaking roof could be the culprit of water leaking out of the vent fan or even into the fan motor itself. Check to see if there are any stains on the ceiling or if the drywall feels soft or wet in the area around the fan or elsewhere in your bathroom.
Clogged dryer vent: If your dryer vent is clogged, the moisture cannot escape properly and can back up into your bathroom vent fan. This is more likely to happen if you have a combination bathroom/laundry room.
Condensation: Condensation can occur when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cool surface. This can happen in your bathroom when you take a hot shower or when the bathroom is not properly ventilated. The condensation can then drip into the vent fan and out of the vent.
Damaged vent fan: If your vent fan is damaged, it may not be able to properly seal out moisture. This can allow water to leak into the fan and out of the vent.
Improper installation: If the vent fan is not properly installed, it may not be able to properly seal out moisture. This can also allow water to leak into the fan and out of the vent.

If you find that your bathroom vent fan is leaking water, it is important to take action to fix the problem and prevent any further problems from occurring. Depending on the cause, you might be able to handle the repairs yourself or you may need to call in a qualified professional.

Here are some steps you can take to fix a leaking bathroom vent fan:

Check the roof for leaks: If you think the water leak might be coming from your roof, check for any stains or soft spots on the ceiling. If you find any damage, call a roofing contractor to repair it.
Check the dryer vent for clogs: If you have a combination bathroom/laundry room, check the dryer vent for clogs. You can do this by disconnecting the vent from the dryer and running a dryer vent cleaning brush through the vent.
Reduce condensation: Condensation can be reduced by using a dehumidifier in your bathroom, opening a window when you shower, and keeping the bathroom door open when not in use.
Repair or replace the vent fan: If the vent fan is damaged or not properly installed, it will need to be repaired or replaced. You can do this yourself if you are comfortable working with electrical wiring, but it is best to call a qualified electrician if you are not sure how to do it safely.

By taking these steps, you can fix a leaking bathroom vent fan and prevent further problems from occurring.