Installation, replacement and repair
Bathroom exhaust fan installation
A bathroom exhaust fan pulls steam and smells out of the toilet through the window or a short duct, which helps keep mould off the ceiling and grout. Swapping a dead or noisy fan in the same opening is a short job, while a new position, ducting or a new power point (done by an LEW) costs more.
Typical price
$120–$280per fan, from like-for-like swap to supply and installTypical job time
45 min–2 h
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
When to replace or repair
- The fan hums but the blades do not turn, or it does not start at all.
- It rattles, grinds or whines more loudly than it used to.
- The mirror and walls stay fogged long after a shower, and black spots appear on the ceiling.
- Smells linger in the toilet even with the fan running.
- A tissue held near the grille is barely pulled towards it.
Common reasons
- Worn motor bearings after years of running in a humid bathroom.
- Dust and lint packed on the blades and grille, which cuts airflow.
- Moisture getting into the motor, causing rust or a burnt-out coil.
- A fan too small for the room, or a long or crushed duct.
- A backdraft flap stuck shut, so air cannot get out.
- Loose mounting screws, which make the fan vibrate.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Switch the fan off at its switch or the circuit breaker, then vacuum or wipe the grille and blades.
- Run the fan and hold a tissue to the grille. If it barely moves, the fan, duct or flap needs attention.
- Check whether the fan has its own switch or runs off the light switch.
- Photograph the label on the fan and measure the opening it sits in. It helps us match a replacement.
Stop and call if
- There is a burning smell or scorch mark, or the fan trips the breaker. Switch it off at the distribution board and stop using it.
- Water drips from the fan housing or a light fitting nearby.
- Wiring is exposed, wet or loose.
What we do
- 1Look at the existing fan, opening size, switch and power supply, and check whether air goes straight out of a window or along a duct.
- 2Recommend a fan size and type, such as window, wall or ceiling-mounted, that suits the opening and the room, and confirm the model with you.
- 3Isolate the power, remove the old fan and clean the opening or duct end.
- 4Mount the new fan, fit or reconnect the duct and backdraft flap, and seal around window-type fans against rain.
- 5Reconnect to the existing supply, or have a Licensed Electrical Worker add a new point, then test airflow, noise and the switch.
How much it costs
Most bathroom exhaust fan installation jobs in Singapore cost $120–$280 (per fan, from like-for-like swap to supply and install). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Replace a fan in the same opening (your fan)$120–$180
- Supply and install a standard ceiling or window fan$210–$280
- New power point or switch by an LEW$200–$450
- Transport fee, if charged separately$10–$30
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
A window-type fan, or a ceiling fan ducted to the toilet window, is the usual set-up. Do not core a new hole through an external wall without checking HDB's renovation rules first. If the toilet ceiling is covered with an acrylic panel, the fan can be fitted into the panel.
Condo
Many condo bathrooms have no window and vent through a duct to a shaft or the façade. Choose a fan that fits the existing duct size, as façade changes need MCST approval. Inform management before work starts.
Landed
You can choose wall, window or ceiling fans freely, but long duct runs to an outside wall lose airflow. Check the outside vent for blockages such as bird nests before blaming the fan.
Bathroom exhaust fan installation: common questions
Ceiling or window exhaust fan: which suits an HDB toilet?
If the toilet has a window, a window-type fan is the simplest and moves air straight outside. A ceiling fan looks neater and suits toilets with an acrylic or false ceiling, but needs a duct to the window.
Should the exhaust fan run off the light switch?
It can, but a separate switch or a timer lets the fan keep running for 15 to 20 minutes after a shower to clear the steam. Changing switches or wiring is work for a Licensed Electrical Worker.
Does installing an exhaust fan need a licensed plumber?
No. PUB plumbing licensing does not apply to fans. Any new wiring, power point or switch must be done by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).
How often should I clean the fan?
Wipe the grille every month or two and clean the blades a few times a year with the power off. Dust build-up is a common reason fans get noisy and weak.
What is the difference between a bathroom exhaust fan and a ventilation fan?
A bathroom exhaust fan is a small unit sized for steam in a toilet. Ventilation fans for kitchens, service yards and windowless rooms move more air and may need to cope with grease or longer ducts. See our ventilation fan page for those.
Get a price for bathroom exhaust fan installation
Send a photo or short video, your home type and postal code. We reply with a price range and the earliest slot.
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