Hi, I just bought a house and the bathroom exhaust fan is broken. In replacing it, it occurs to me that it might not be vented to the outside. (I think it's vented to the attic only.)

I have a very narrow attic (1.5 feet) and its not feasible to sqeeze in there to check.

There is a pipe vent on the roof above the bathroom, but when I poke my head in the attic, I see no vent down to the bathroom.

I also see soffit "perforations" near the bathroom but can't tell if they are part of the bathroom exhaust. (Or if a soffit vent is used for other applications.)

Any help is appreciated!

EDIT: And, if it seems there is no outside exhaust, is it reasonable to vent the bathroom into the attic?

Nothing wrong with that. All in may area are just vented to the attic. Not any thing wrong with it just terminating at the soffit.

The homes in my area are required to take the vent to a outside screen , vent through roof or dormer vent .The only reason to take it outside is to remove oders and moisture. If you wanted to add a vent to your exhauster it might be easier to reach through roof vent and attach, the flexible aluminum vent is the easiest, you can cut it with a kitchen knife.

The only reason to take it outside is to remove oders and moisture.

That's the crux of my question, I guess: does anyone have any experience with a bathroom fan that vents into an attic? Will it cause mildew , mold or odor?

I mean, I get how it theoretically *could*. But, does it? Horror stories?

If you live in a cold climate, the vent should go outside. Condensation, even ice, can form on the roof decking and ruin your roof.

I guess I have never seen one vented to the outside, Every home I have ever owned or lived in ( if they had a vent at all) were just all vented to the attic. ( which of course the attic itself is then vented)
** and I have owned 100's of homes over the years. ( buy and sell)

*** it must have to do with regions of the country.

Local codes here have required vents to go outside for better than 20 years.