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DIY Project: Sealing Your Exhaust Fan with a DraftStoppa

steamy bathroom without exhaust fan cover

That Exhaust Fan? It’s Basically a Chimney

You may not realise it, but that bathroom exhaust fan is one of the biggest holes in your ceiling. Even when it’s turned off, it can be letting in cold draughts, heat in summer, dust, mozzies, and smells from the roof cavity (eww).

And in winter? All your warm air rises straight up… and out. That’s your heating bill flying into the roof space. If you’re searching for an exhaust fan cover bathroom solution or a draft stopper for exhaust fan, you’re in the right place.

Why the DraftStoppa is a No-Brainer

Most exhaust fans have no backdraft protection. That means they act like an open vent 24/7. But this quick and clever DIY solution puts a stop to that.

The DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover is a self-sealing unit that automatically opens when the fan is on and closes tightly when it’s off — preventing air leakage, insect invasion, and energy waste.

✅ Australian-designed and manufactured 

✅ Easy to install 

✅ Works just as well as as ceiling fan covers or a bathroom fan cover 

✅ Opens fully to exhaust fan when the fan is on 

✅ Reduces draughts, dust and heat loss

✅ No running costs and no ongoing maintenance 

Also known as an exhaust fan flap or exhaust fan dust cover, the DraftStoppa works with most standard-size ceiling fans and is a great alternative to short-lived solutions.

What If You Have a 3-in-1 Bathroom Fan?

Until July 2026, there was a method of treating a 3-in-1 fan with an adapter plate and adding a DraftStoppa on top of that. 

Due to a change in the input material that manufactures Draftstoppa, this option is no longer available.  At the moment, the only option is to replace the fan if you wish to draught proof it.  🙁  yes, that makes us sad too!

However, if you are interested in draught proofing a 3-in-1 heat / lamp / fan and not replacing it, please contact us at www.ecoMasterStore.com.au using the CHAT button.  We are running a register of people interested in a 3-in-1 solution and will respond as soon as there is resupply or an alternative solution.

Step-by-Step: How to Install a DraftStoppa

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 Tools You’ll Need:
• DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover
• Ladder

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Prep the Fan Opening

Make sure your fan is off and safe to work around.  Check the fan's shape — if it’s round and standard-sized, you can fit the DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover bathroom directly. If it’s a 3-in-1 unit, grab an Adapter Plate.

Fit the Adapter Plate (for 3-in-1 fans)

Pop the Adapter Plate on top of the fan.  

This allows for the DraftStoppa to fit snugly into the circular cut-out — perfect for when you're trying to adapt a kitchen exhaust fan cover or a bathroom exhaust fan cover.

Install the DraftStoppa

Pop the DraftStoppa onto either the Adapter plate (if 3 in 1 fan) or on top of the fan casing. 

Test It

The built-in flaps will now automatically open when the fan is on and seal shut when it’s off. Turn on the fan and check that the exhaust fan flap opens fully. Turn it off and watch them close. 

Done!

IMPORTANT:  If you have a 3 in 1 fan, you MUST have an electrician rewire the switch so that the fan is always running when the heater is on.

Real Life, Real Results

“We fitted a DraftStoppa and instantly noticed our ensuite stopped feeling like an icebox. It’s made a huge difference and was surprisingly easy to install — especially with the mounting plate!”

– Julie, Hoppers Crossing VIC

Doorkit ecoMaster

FAQs

Q: Will this work with my 3-in-1 bathroom fan?

A: No it will not. 
It is important that YOU DO NOT FIT A DRAFTSTOPPA OVER A 3-IN-1 FAN. 

Q: Can I install this myself?

A: Absolutely.  Watch the installation video.    Note: If you have a 3-in-1 fan, you must NOT install a DRAFTSTOPPA over it. 

Q: Are there any things to watch out for?

A: Occasionally there are obstructions that cause difficulty with fitting. The most common ones are:

  • The ceiling joists are too close together to accommodate the DraftStoppa as it is slightly wider than the exhaust fan.
  • There is a pipe above the exhaust fan.
  • The power outlet supplying the fan has been fitted too close to the fan

Ready to Block That Ceiling Leak?

Bonus Tip: Pair this project with Find and Fix My Draughts to uncover every sneaky leak in your home.

Related Resources

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