How To Fix A Rattling Bathroom Fan Before The Noise Gets Worse

Buzzing and rattling can result from something as simple as a loose screw. If the wall bracket loosens, the whole fan can shake and rattle on the wall. Remove the cover and tighten any screws on brackets and other parts of the fan assembly. Then make sure the cover is firmly attached so it won't vibrate. If this takes care of the problem, you can be grateful it was so easy to fix.

If you hear rhythmic clicking or rattling, your fan blades could be hitting the housing. This can happen if one blade cracks or chips, but sometimes a thick coating of dust is enough to knock a fan off balance. If you don't see signs of damage, try cleaning the bathroom fan. Wipe the blades clean with a damp cloth, then let them dry completely before testing out the fan.

If the fan blades are damaged, you'll need to buy a replacement part or replace the entire fan.

A bathroom fan can become unbearable once the bearings wear out. Rattling progresses to grinding or a high-pitched squeal. If your fan is a recent model, you may be able to replace the motor assembly. Replacing the entire fan is often the easier solution.

Other parts in the motor assembly become noisy once they start to wear. The noise will get louder as parts continue to fail. Replace the motor assembly or the fan when this occurs.

Bathroom fans have a flapper that remains shut when you aren't using it, preventing outdoor air from constantly entering your home. There should also be a damper covering the vent on the exterior of your house. When it's really windy, these dampers can clap open and shut. If it happens constantly, you may need to adjust the tension on the flapper or ask an installer to inspect the ductwork for leaks and other problems.

Read the original article on Southern Living