If your bathroom is steamed up after every shower, you’ve probably thought about getting an extractor fan. But who actually puts these things in? Some folks call a plumber first, thinking it’s all about moving air and pipes. Others swear by electricians. So, what’s the real answer?
Extractor fans straddle the line between plumbing and electrics. Sure, they can help cut down condensation and moisture, which ties in with the whole mold and damp problem plumbers often fix. But don’t forget, extractor fans are powered by your home’s electrics. This fact right here usually decides who you should actually call.
- Plumbers and Extractor Fans: What's the Deal?
- When You Need a Plumber vs. an Electrician
- How Extractor Fan Installation Actually Goes Down
- Tips for a Hassle-Free Extractor Fan Fit
Plumbers and Extractor Fans: What's the Deal?
So, do plumbers actually put in extractor fans? The short answer: sometimes, but it depends on the job and where you live. There’s no rule that says only plumbers can handle it, but most of the time, they’ll tackle the job if the fan install is linked with a bathroom refit or any wet area makeover. They’re naturally working around water pipes, so they’re used to dealing with steamy environments and solving moisture problems.
Here’s the big catch: extractor fans need wiring. While plenty of plumbers are handy and might manage simple electrical stuff, in many places, hooking up anything to the mains, especially near water, needs a qualified electrician. In the UK, for example, new wiring in bathrooms falls under strict regulations, and a plumber might walk away if it’s beyond their skill or legal limit.
Look, if the job is just about swapping an old fan for a new one and the wiring’s already in place, you might see a plumber take it on. But if your bathroom never had a fan before, most pros agree you’ll need a sparky to run new cables and confirm it’s safe.
- Plumbers often install fans only if no extra electrical work is needed.
- Combining plumbing and electrics in a steamy room means safety is a top concern.
- If there’s major wiring to be done, it’s time to call an electrician.
Here’s a quick look at who usually does what during an extractor fan installation:
| Task | Plumber | Electrician |
|---|---|---|
| Installing ducting or vent | ✔️ | |
| Mounting the fan | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wiring the fan to mains | ✔️ | |
| Making good/tidy up | ✔️ |
If you hire someone, just check if they’ve got experience with extractor fans. Some plumbing firms have electricians on the team and handle everything. Others will tag team or recommend a local electrician to finish the wiring right. It saves hassle – and you’ll pass any safety inspections without a hitch.
When You Need a Plumber vs. an Electrician
This is where things can get confusing. When you’re dealing with an extractor fan installation, the right pro depends on what needs doing. It’s not always a one-size-fits-all job.
If your bathroom is getting a brand new fan, and it’s a straight swap with the old one, most of the time you’ll need an electrician. That’s because extractor fans need to be wired to your lighting circuit or a fused outlet for safety. UK building regs, for example, have strict rules — and most other countries aren’t much looser when it comes to electrical work in wet areas.
But let’s say your fan vents through a wall, and the ducting has mold or is blocked. Maybe you’ve even got pipework that needs moving. Plumbers are the ones who sort out ductwork problems, tackle condensation pipes, or reroute existing vents. Basically, if there’s water, pipes, or drainage involved, a plumber is totally in their zone. Anything electrical? That’s firmly an electrician’s job.
- Call an electrician if: You need new wiring, a switch installed, or your fan is being fitted for the first time.
- Call a plumber if: The ducting behind your fan is full of gunk, leaks, or needs to be moved. They’ll also handle condensation pipes and venting tweaks.
Usually, people need both trades at some point, especially when bathrooms are getting redone. Here’s a quick breakdown of common tasks and who handles what:
| Job | Plumber | Electrician |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring the fan to a new circuit | No | Yes |
| Clearing or fixing ducting blocks | Yes | No |
| Setting up moisture-trap pipes | Yes | No |
| Changing wall switches or timers | No | Yes |
Bottom line? For wiring and electrics, always get a professional electrician—even if a plumber can handle the air-movement part. It keeps you safe and keeps your house up to code.
How Extractor Fan Installation Actually Goes Down
Let’s break down how a professional handles extractor fan installation. It’s not just about sticking a fan on the wall—there are a few steps that need attention if you want the fan to actually do its job. And believe it or not, a botched install is a prime suspect behind moldy ceilings and weird smells that linger way too long.
If you call in a pro (especially for a bathroom job), here’s what typically happens:
- Check regulations. Rules in the UK, Australia, and most of Europe all say extractor fans in bathrooms need to be wired up by someone certified. This means most reliable plumbers team up with an electrician to get it sorted legally.
- Pick the right spot. No, you can’t just slap your extractor fan anywhere—location matters for sucking out steam before it does damage. The best spot is usually on an external wall or ceiling, close to where the steam builds up (like above a shower or bath).
- Drill the vent hole. This part gets messy. The installer cuts out a hole in the wall or ceiling, sized exactly for the fan model. Bar this, you can’t run ducting or attach the hood that helps dump moist air outside.
- Do the electrical work. This is where it can get dicey for a regular DIYer. The fan needs to hook up to your home’s power, normally splicing into your lighting circuit so it comes on with the light switch (or has its own timer/humidity sensor).
- Set up ducting. If you’re not venting straight through a wall, flexible duct pipe gets attached to push air out of the house, not just into your attic or wall cavity (that would defeat the point).
- Seal and test. Seals keep air from leaking and test ensures the fan is moving enough air. Pro tip: UK building regs say you want at least 15 liters per second air movement in a standard bathroom.
Here's a bite-sized comparison of what's involved and how long it usually takes:
| Task | Who Handles It | Time Needed | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vent Hole Drilling | Plumber or Handyman | 45 mins | Safety goggles, dust sheets—stuff gets messy. |
| Wiring and Power | Electrician | 30-60 mins | Must follow electrical safety standards. |
| Mounting the Fan | Plumber/Electrician | 30 mins | Proper seal prevents drafts/leaks. |
| Duct Installation | Plumber | 30 mins | Ducts should be short and direct if possible. |
| Testing & Finishing | Both | 15 mins | Check airflow and noise levels. |
If you care about keeping your bathroom dry—and not voiding your home warranty—don’t skimp on getting the right people in for these steps. The right team can usually wrap up a standard install in two hours flat, but weird layouts or tricky walls might stretch it to half a day. A properly installed extractor fan doesn’t just get rid of steamy mirrors; it preserves paint, dodges mold, and keeps repair bills way lower down the line.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Extractor Fan Fit
Getting an extractor fan installed shouldn’t turn into a week-long project. Here’s how you can save time, dodge common mess-ups, and keep your sanity in check.
- Extractor fan installation almost always needs a power supply. If you’re not comfortable working with electrics or if your bathroom doesn’t already have wiring ready for a fan, you’ll need a qualified electrician. Don’t gamble with wiring—one wrong move and you’re dealing with tripped breakers or bigger hazards.
- Vent placement matters. Don’t just stick the fan anywhere. For best results, put it as close to the main source of moisture as possible—usually right above the shower or bath. Steamy air rises and that’s what your fan should catch first.
- Drill before you buy. Sounds backwards, but check for things like joists, pipes, or wires behind the wall where you want the fan. Lots of people get burned by cracking open a wall only to hit a water pipe or stud. Take a peek in your loft or ceiling space before you order anything.
- Go for the right size. It’s not one-size-fits-all with extractor fans. Look for one rated for the size of your room (measured in cubic meters per hour, or m³/h). A cramped loo needs less power than a big family bathroom.
- Add a decent backdraft shutter. This simple extra keeps cold air and bugs from blowing back into your house when the fan’s off. It’s worth the extra couple of quid for comfort.
Last tip—always get your installation checked if it’s tied to your house’s wiring or if you live somewhere with strict building codes. Some areas demand a sign-off from a licensed tradie, and skipping this step can cause headaches if you ever sell your place. Don’t let an extractor fan slow down your day or mess with your peace of mind.