I want to block my heater air outlet in my bathroom over the bath tub. Can anyone help me how to do it?

Question

I'm redoing my bathtub and surrounding wall remodel and i'm planning to put of panel in the ceiling over the tub and block the heater air outlet (heater outlet is also in the ceiling over the tub). The reason I want to block the heater outlet is due to rust problem since outlet soaks up lot of the hot moisture during shower. Bathroom remodel place wants me to block the outlet before they put the ceiling panel because the hot air coming down could lossen the adhesive used to glue panel to the ceiling. Can any one help me how to do this x tks

Answer 1

I am assuming that we are talking about a vent from a central forced air heater, correct? If so, then you should go into the attic and locate the specific duct and boot box that is installed in the bathroom. Remove the nails or screws that are holding the boot box to the ceiling. It can now be lifted out of the hole in the ceiling above the tub and you can patch the ceiling. With that completed, you can now remove the length of duct that once served the bathroom at the nearest joint. You should now have a 4" to 6" connector staring you in the face. Measure it and find an appropriate size sheet metal cap to seal the end. Put in a couple of screws, and add some duct sealer or tape to seal against air leaks.

Answer 2

There might be a reason that a heating vent is located over your bathtub. Other than your comfort on cold mornings, if your bathtub plumbing is located in an outside wall, and you live in an area with very cold winters, the warm air might help keep your pipes from freezing. If this is the case, you can replace the metal vent in the ceiling with a plastic vent that won't rust. The re-modelers will just cut a hole in the new ceiling panel, and the new plastic vent grate will cover the rough cut.

Another idea is to move the vent to another part of the ceiling so you don't lose heat to your bathroom. In the hole left by the moved vent, you might want to install an exhaust fan. An exhaust fan will quickly remove the steam and moisture after a shower. The re-modelers should not have a problem cutting the new ceiling to accommodate the fan. You may need an electrician to run the electric line for the fan, and install the switch.

You can even clean the rust with a steel brush, and then paint the vent with quality enamel, (if that's easier than changing the vent) leaving the heating duct where it is. Then, install an exhaust fan to remove steam and moisture. An exhaust fan is worth the extra expense. Besides helping with the rust problem, it will help keep mold and mildew from growing in your bathroom.

If you only block the heating duct, and install a new ceiling, you will have even more moisture in your bathroom than you have now. The moisture that now goes up the vent will be trapped inside the room. You will also lose heat to the bathroom which could effect the overall value of the bathroom when the time comes to sell your home.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My first thought on reading your question was a concern for fire if the hot air were blocked at the air outlet. I would think it would be better to block the duct at a point where the hot air could be re-directed to another area of the house. I don't know about this for sure, but I am concerned about hot air building up to a high, drying heat, so I thought I'd write.
You may want to call a place that sells or installs this type of heater and ask for suggestions from a professional.

Answer 4

Two cautions here.
1. That duct is there for a reason.
If it's an exhaust fan duct, and
there's no window in the room, it is
required by code. If you remove it,
you will have condensation problems
in the room.
2. If that duct is part of your heating system,
be aware that the system is 'balanced` for
proper flow when it is installed.
Blocking off part of the system can buy you
all sorts of trouble elsewhere.

Your contractor should advise you on this.
Consult with some-one who knows H. & V.
before you act here.

Answer 5

If this is temporary to allow the adhesive to dry, just stuff a towel or rags into the duct work until the adhesive dries. If it is going to be a permanent modification, you will have to redirect the duct work to provide air to the bath.

Answer 6

You might change your mind this winter,I would have a hvac company move it to another location over the tub was a bad choice to begin with.