I need to buy a new one and do not know what it is called. I have “googled” every thing i can think of but have not found!
it is not really a vent or a grille it is just a cover or a door that when you turn the little knobs you can open it. I think it has something to do with the condensation because it is right where it drips into the shower. mine is all rusty and i need a new one
it is not really a vent or a grille it is just a cover or a door that when you turn the little knobs you can open it. I think it has something to do with the condensation because it is right where it drips into the shower. mine is all rusty and i need a new one
there is no switch, it is not a fan with a vent, it is a large metal access door i guess to get to a duct or something and condensation gathers up there causing it to rust. I live in an older duplex where the ac unit drips into the shower with that pipe thing can we put pictures on here? I have not seen what i am looking for in a hardware store i figured i could order one online…
there is no switch, it is not a fan with a vent, it is a large metal access door i guess to get to a duct or something and condensation gathers up there causing it to rust. I live in an older duplex where the ac unit drips into the shower with that pipe thing can we put pictures on here? I have not seen what i am looking for in a hardware store i figured i could order one online…
i guess i am out of luck well thanks for your help everyone
i guess i am out of luck well thanks for your help everyone
7 Answers
First of all, contrary to most of the previous answers, IF it is “just” a cover panel [with NO ventilation slots] then it is probably what is called an “ACCESS PANEL COVER” to the heating and air conditioning unit.
In “older” apartment units [and many duplexes] the inside air handling and heating coils, and chilled water coil for the heat and air were located in the “furr-down” [area of lowered ceiling] above the bathtub.
This access is for service and maintainence of the unit which could include unclogging the condensate drain, replacing components of the heating and cooling unit, and general cleaning of the unit.
Due to its location, it is highly subject to humidity, and even wetness from splashed water while the shower is in use.
As one of the previous answers suggested, remove the cover panel and take it to your local hardware stores, home improvement centers [like Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.] It is possible that they may know enough to find a replacement cover [and the frame is probably rusted also and may need replacement].
IF they cannot help you, then take it to a local supply house that provides heating and air conditioning equipement and parts for the local professional HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air condiitoning] technicians. These guys should easily recognize the part[s] and if it’s still available, get it for you. I
IF that supply house only sells wholesale to licensed HVAC guys [ie., no retail sales], then maybe they can recommend a nice HVAC guy or gal who will buy it for you and then resell it to you, allowing you to install it yourself.
If it’s not possible to find a replacement, then you will need to scrape and wire brush as much rust as possible from the rusted parts, and then treat it with a rust ‘CONVERTER” / INHIBITOR such as “OSPHO” [the brand name], a greenish colored watery product used for just this purpose of controlling rust.
Ospho is usually available in the paint section of most hardware stores, and also in the home improvement centers paint departments. It’s also available in our local Pittsburg Paint store.
After brushing all of the “loose” rust off, then wash it with water to remove all dust, and allow it to dry in the warm sunshine. After it’s clean and dry, the Ospho can be applied with a paint brush, roller, or sprayer. Place the Ospho treated part in the warm sunshine, and allow it to fully dry.
In the process of “converting” the rust, the Ospho will turn dark [a “new” compound of rust plus Phosporus from the Ospho], often black [the black compound resulting is Ferrous Phosphate (I think). It is VERY hard, and makes an outstanding primer for the paint overcoat to follow], After the Ospho is well dried, apply a second coat, and allow to dry well.
Any uncombined Ospho will leave a white, powdery, “dust” and this should be removed by washing with just clean water and an old scrub brush.
Allow the clean, treated part to dry well again, and when dry. paint with whatever finish paint you chose.
Ospho is outstanding stuff, and since I always by it in a gallon plastic jug, I can’t recall whether it’s available in smaller sizes [a little bit goes a very long way so you don’t need much].
It sounds more like an exhaust vent especially being above the shower. Is there a switch thats suppose to turn it on by the light switch? If so, make sure its running while taking a shower.
Air vent cover, or register or vent grill or Air conditionong vent
If it is above your shower are you sure it is not a exhaust fan? This would have a fan motor.
Doesn’t matter what it’s called . Just take it down and take it to a hardware store and ask customer service to find you one
I agree with John. It could be a cold air return.
Yes you can post pictures, that would help.