Ventilation in the bathroom and toilet is a must. That is why, during the construction of apartment buildings, ventilation shafts go into these premises. 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 arrangement of forced ventilation systems.
Ventilation duct device
Before you start working on your own, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the ventilation duct. In a private house, the channel is led out through the roof or wall. In apartments, the situation is somewhat different, several apartments on the floor are joined to one riser. The lower the apartment, the more problems with the ventilation of the room.
Basic types of ventilation
During the construction of houses, during the design process, the type of ventilation is selected, which will be used. Today, two types can be distinguished:
- natural;
- forced.
The first option operates due to the difference in pressure and temperature inside and outside the room. For better functioning, it is necessary that there is an air flow into the bathroom.
The forced ventilation system can be an addition to the natural one. 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 sufficient to clean the shaft to restore functionality.
Checking the ventilation
Each person can check the operation of ventilation. The first fact, which indicates that the system is working properly, is the absence of condensation on the surface of the mirror after taking a shower. The second method, which will allow you to find out the functioning of the ventilation, involves the use of a regular sheet of paper.
It is necessary to open a window or a window and a door in the bathroom in any room. 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 needs to be cleaned. If the air flow is weak, it will be necessary to install devices for forced air extraction.
Even with good work of natural ventilation, the installation of additional devices guarantees the removal of excess moisture from the room and the flow of fresh air.
Rules for choosing a fan for the bathroom and toilet
In order for the ventilation in the bathroom to work properly, it is necessary to take a very responsible attitude to the choice of fans that will be installed in the room.
- Noise level. During water procedures, it will not be entirely comfortable if the ventilation is too noisy. It is best to choose devices with a minimum performance, 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. It is best if it is located on bearings.This will significantly reduce the noise level and significantly extend the life of the device. Therefore, ventilation for the toilet and bathroom will function without problems for a long time, while not reducing its performance.
- The entire system must be powerful enough to remove humid air and unpleasant odors that can spread throughout the apartment. The performance indicator indicates the amount of air masses 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. Devices at a higher cost are equipped with a protective screen instead of a grill. It may have a screen that displays indicators of the level of humidity and air temperature.
- In the event that the fan will be located in the immediate vicinity of 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, the correct installation of all devices must be performed.
The main types of ventilation ducts
Well-functioning ventilation in the bathroom prevents the formation of mold and mildew on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places, which not only spoil the appearance of the room, but also negatively affect human health.
In some cases, it becomes necessary to make a path for air masses. This can be if the fan is not located in the ventilation duct itself, but at some distance. Today, two types of boxes are used for this purpose:
- Plastic - can be round or rectangular in cross-sectional shape. It is very easy to mount such a box. In addition, it is favorably distinguished by ideally smooth inner walls that do not interfere with the passage of air masses.
- The corrugated box is most often used for laying small paths. Corrugated boxes can be hard or soft.
Regardless of the type chosen when laying ventilation for the bathroom, it is important to control all joints. They must be completely sealed and not let in air. It is also necessary to secure the entire path to a wall or ceiling to prevent vibrations during operation.
Do-it-yourself ventilation in the bathroom and toilet
Ventilation in the bathroom, if desired, can be done independently, but first you need to study some aspects that will help you cope with the work. The first thing to start with is assessing the state of natural ventilation, measuring the premises and purchasing all the necessary equipment. When choosing devices, it is important to consider the size of the ventilation duct opening, this will prevent the need to expand it and thereby destroy the wall.
Today, forced ventilation devices are presented in a huge assortment, which makes it possible for everyone to choose the most suitable option. Ventilation for the bathroom must be performed in a strict sequence.
After purchasing the devices, they can be delivered without much effort. First, you need to remove the old grate that covers the mine. If possible, you need to clean the channel as far as possible. All the debris that is in the mine obstructs the normal air flow, as a result of which the system works much worse.
Most of the fans are fixed to the wall using self-tapping screws and dowels of a suitable size. And there are models for fastening, which are enough to use ordinary silicone glue.
Electrical connection
The ventilation in the bathroom must be connected to the mains for the appliance to function. There are several ways to operate forced air ventilation:
- The forced system can have a separate switch. If necessary, such a system is started with a switch and thus turned off.
- Working with light. Very often the installation is carried out by the method of synchronization with the light. When you turn on the light in the bathroom, it starts up as well. After turning off the light, the fan stops working. It is recommended to make such a connection during repair work, since it is necessary to cut the wall and lay the wiring to the switch.
- Compulsory ventilation devices for bathrooms and toilets 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 electrical 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 for bathroom and toilet extractor fans. 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 efficient. And in some cases, contamination can lead to breakdowns.
Ventilation prevention for the bathroom is an important type of work that needs to be done regularly. It is necessary to 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 microclimate in the room.
Performing high-quality ventilation for the bathroom guarantees fresh air in the room, no unpleasant odors and normal humidity levels. A normal microclimate and humidity level will not allow fungi and mold to develop in the bathroom, which in turn may cause the need for repair work.
Ventilation devices for the bathroom should be chosen only of high quality. It is best to give preference to trusted manufacturers. This will be a kind of guarantee for a long service life of the entire system. Installation work can be done independently, for this you just 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 area.
