Option 2: Mount an Exhaust Fan Without Attic Access

  1. Step 1: Adjust the Ceiling Hole. …
  2. Step 2: Patch the Ceiling. …
  3. Step 3: Attach the Duct. …
  4. Step 4: Prepare to Connect the Wiring. …
  5. Step 5: Attach the Cable Clamp. …
  6. Step 6: Connect the House Wires. …
  7. Step 7: Replace the Wires. …
  8. Step 8: Connect the Duct.

Can you install bathroom fan without attic access?

Typically, the fan’s housing is attached to the ceiling joists. For those homeowners who don’t have access to the bathroom fan from the attic, the brackets or mounting screws will need to be removed from below. When cutting brackets, it’s advised that you use either a reciprocating saw or an oscillating saw.

How do you vent a bathroom with no outside access?





Use of a ceiling vent

Installing a ceiling vent is probably the most efficient way to ventilate a bathroom with no outside access. A ceiling vent is a unique machine that allows air to escape from the bathroom. In other words, it’s a machine that, like an open window, allows moisture to escape from your bathroom.

Can you vent a bathroom fan out the roof?

The fan exhaust must vent directly to the exterior of the home. Do not put the vent termination in a roof overhang or soffit. Don’t put it on a wall near or under a roof overhang. The moist air that’s belched out by the fan can be sucked right up into the open soffit vents and be drawn into your attic.

How do you vent a half bathroom with no outside access?

How to Vent Your Bathroom with no Outside Access

  1. Vent beneath the floor. If your bathroom is situated away from your exterior wall, venting through the roof is impossible. …
  2. Add a ceiling vent. …
  3. Expand your bathroom ducts. …
  4. Add a recirculating fan for your half bath. …
  5. Install commercial ductwork. …
  6. Add a fan.




Is it OK to vent bathroom fan into soffit?

A bathroom fan can be vented through soffit so that the warm air from the bathroom comes out through it and goes outside. However, It is important to keep in mind it can not be vented into the soffit, as this will lead moisture back into the attic.

How much does it cost to vent a bathroom fan through the roof?

Cost to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Through the Roof

If you have a bathroom in your attic, you can vent right through the roof. This means that you do not need ductwork but a fan that can direct vent. These units cost between $50 and $300 and take about two to three hours to install for $80 to $300.

How does a ductless bathroom vent work?



Typically, these fans work by processing the air so that they can remove the odors easily and quickly. The fans rely on an activated charcoal filter that is capable of making sure the air is fresh. The filter helps to circulate air throughout the whole room; hence, removing any smell from it.

What do you do if your bathroom has no exhaust fan?

If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan, take advantage of the door and window(s) to let out steam. Whenever weather permits, open the window during your shower or bath and leave the window open for at least 15 minutes after you exit.

Is there a bathroom fan that doesn’t vent outside?

Install a recirculating fan in a half-bath. This type of bath fan doesn’t exhaust air to the exterior. Instead, it passes bathroom air through a filter medium that removes odors. A recirculating bath fan would be a workable option for a half-bath because there’s no shower to fill the space with moisture.

Is it a legal requirement to have ventilation in a bathroom?



While the law doesn’t state you must install an extractor fan in your bathroom, it is illegal not to have a source of ventilation inside. This will depend on the structural make-up of your home, but if there is no openable window in place, then an extractor fan must be installed.

Can you vent a bathroom fan into plumbing vent?

Venting Fan Into Plumbing Vent Violates Building Code

1 of the International Residential Code (IRC), you are not allowed to vent a bathroom fan into a plumbing vent: “The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors in accordance with Section M1504.

Does plumbing vent have to go through roof?

It does not have to go through the roof. From the plumbing code (I have the 2003 edition), P3103: It must not be less than 4 feet directly beneath a door, openable window or other air intake of the building or adjacent building.

Can I use PVC pipe for bathroom vent?



PVC piping is an excellent material to use for venting your bathroom fan as long as the correct type of pipe is used. PVC creates a better seal than metal, so you won’t experience any problems with leakage as you could with using metal ducting pipes.

How long can a bathroom fan vent pipe be?

Generally a 4 inch flex duct can carry a fan exhaust for up to 25 ft. Most codes require that.

Is it OK to use flex duct for bathroom fan?

Can flexible duct and air connect to bathroom exhaust fans? Yes, that’s correct. We recommend that you use insulated flex duct in long vent run applications to help keep the humidity in the duct and to help prevent the pooling of water which can damage the core.

Can you use flex pipe for bathroom vent?

The flexible insulated duct is recommended for this application to minimize condensation in bathrooms (or other warm and moist areas), and can also be helpful in reducing fan noise.

Can you use flex duct for exhaust?



No. Avoid flexible duct for your range hood, regardless of the CFM. Flexible duct is a poor investment because it is: Not durable/sturdy.

Can I use dryer vent for bathroom fan?

A bathroom fan and a dryer should never share the same vent. International building code states that dryer vent exhaust systems must be separate from all other systems and must expel moisture out of the house through a dedicated vent. This is because of the potential hazards associated with improper dryer venting.

How many CFM can a 4 duct handle?

4-inch rectangular CFM duct chart (from 6×4 to 24×4 duct sizes). 6-inch rectangular CFM duct chart (from 4×6 to 30×6 duct sizes). 8-inch rectangular CFM duct chart (from 4×8 to 36×8 duct sizes).
4-Inch Rectangular Ducts Size Chart (60-330 CFM)

4″ Duct 4″ CFM
10×4 120 CFM
12×4 150 CFM
14×4 180 CFM
16×4 210 CFM