pigletjohn, help! bathroom extractor

[mouselittle]

Hello. I posted a while back for advice on a bathroom extractor and pigletjohn recommendedthis: m.screwfix.com/p/100mm-mixed-flow-fan/26867?source=aw&awc=1228_1407784989_32fcc70b9b2ad6c6068a73b13dc215e9&cm_mmc=AffiliateWindow--DeepLink--Na-_-78888
have bought it today but what other bits do I need? A vent and the bit that goes into the ceiling? I had assumed it would come complete.

m.screwfix.com/p/100mm-mixed-flow-fan/26867?source=aw&awc=1228_1407784989_32fcc70b9b2ad6c6068a73b13dc215e9&cm_mmc=AffiliateWindow--DeepLink--Na-_-78888

Hope this link works better

clip, clop, clip clop

If you have not had an extractor in that room before, you will need a hole in the ceiling, and in the wall of the loft, or the roof, or a gap in the eaves; and some duct; and a grill for the ceiling. If you are venting through a hole in the wall (recommended) you will need a cowl vent. If you are venting through the roof (not recommended as may lead to leaks) you can use a mushroom or tile vent, but get a roofer to fit it. If you are venting through a gap in the eaves you poke the duct out through the gap. If there is a soffit you make a hole for the duct and fit a grille.

The duct can be made of rigid tube with elbows and bends (best) or with flexible hose (easiest but worst). If you need several metres, buy plastic soil pipe from a builders or plumbers merchant - it is the same.

If there has previously been an extractor in that room, you can probably re-use some of the old duct and vents, if they are of good quality. They are usually 105mm diameter (4-inch)

If you need to make a hole in a wall, you can get a Core Drill from a tool hire shop. It is easier than you think, but the drill is very heavy. It would not be safe to use off a ladder. When I hired one for my own house, I did holes for the cooker hood, bathroom extractor, tumble drier and two spares, in a weekend.

Thank you piglet for replying so quickly.
We haven't had an extractor before so have to buy everything. strangely screwfix don't seem to do the ceiling vents. We have sofit so will have to make a hole I think.
I have DH on the case and will update once the job is done - hopefully next week.

Pigletjohn - I'm squealing for your attention too! Another extractor fan related question.

I've got a teeny tiny shower room with no extractor fan in it - obviously the room is damp and prone to mould. The window in the shower room needs replacing and I'm wondering if you'd advise me to get a double glazed window with an extractor fan built in, or whether I should knock a hole in the wall (somewhere above the window as there is not a huge amount of wall space) and put one in there

(Sorry for thread hijack mouselittle)

usually a through-the-wall fan can be bigger and more powerful, and less ugly than one in a window. There will be a lintel above the window. Avoid cutting through it. It will be about eight inches high.

An extractor that is fitted above the ceiling (see above) can be yet bigger, even more powerful, and quieter.

Preferably do not fit an electrical extractor directly above a fixed bath or shower as the electrical safety regulations are then more onerous and expensive to meet. Have it wired to come on with the light switch.

pigletjohn you are my hero

oink.

piglet I have another question...
is it better to have the extractor wired into the light or is it just as good having a separate switch?

better to have it come on automatically with the light switch.

This is because some people have an aversion to ventilation and refuse to open windows or turn on fans.

It also keeps the bathroom generally better ventilated, less damp, and fresher-smelling.

Slight hijack - any advise for kitchen extraction fans - really really good ones that keep house smelling less foody/stale! (Tis quite open plan - but access to outside wall)

A multi-speed one so that you can leave it running quietly, and turn it up for frying or onions? Turn it on before you start cooking, and off after you have washed the pans and wiped the hob.

The people who refuse to use their extractors usually say it's because they're noisy.

There are vast price differences. Elica seem a good brand. I like a hood that is wider than the hob so it can catch fumes that drift sideways. Stainless steel will stand up to cleaning (they get greasy). It is essential to vent it through a duct in the wall. A recirculating hood can be used as a showroom ornament but serves no other purpose.

thankyou piglet
have discovered that our soffit has a vent already in place so the job is going to be a bit easier than first thought (hopefully! ).

chish I agree that recirculating cooker hoods are rubbish. We moved from a house with one to a house with a chimney style hood that vents to outside and the difference is like night and day.

piglet do you know if all cooker hoods need filters? ours doesn't have one just a thick mesh grille and no clips to clip a filter in. is this on?

Is this *ok, not 'on'

they almost always have a grease filter which is a sort of synthetic fibre or foam mat that lies on the perforated or knitted metal cover. It traps the grease, so the fan and duct stay cleaner. You can buy the fabric in sheets and cut it to size with scissors, it is very cheap and easy. Keep a spare handy. You can usually wash it in the sink if you want, you will be revolted by the dirt that comes out, which would otherwise be in your hair kitchen. Some are made of a sort of paper, and are binned. The filter sheets are often sold by places that sell vacuum cleaner bags, and on ebay.

Some hoods have a charcoal filter as well, you don't need that with an extractor, unless the cooking smells are a nuisance outside or to neighbours.

thankyou again piglet

Well the extractor has been fitted and working fine.
There was a vent already in the soffit so that made the job easier.
There is still condensation in the bathroom during a shower but about the same as there was when we used to open the window and it's a lot warmer!
Thank you piglet for all your help and advice.