How Does a Radon Mitigation System Work?
Radon is a silent threat lurking in homes across the country, invisible, odourless, and potentially dangerous. Without testing, there’s no way to know if this radioactive gas is present at dangerous levels. Left unchecked, radon can accumulate over time, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
That’s why testing is crucial. If radon levels are high, taking action with a mitigation system becomes essential to keep your home safe and your family protected.
Types of Radon Mitigation Systems
Several types of radon mitigation systems will reduce radon levels in homes
Sub-slab depressurization: This is the most common method. In this method, a pipe is inserted beneath the foundation slab to create suction, pulling radon from the ground before it can enter the home.
Sump pump system connection: Homes with sump pumps can adapt the existing system to double as a radon mitigation system, using the sump basin as a collection point for radon gas.
Drain tile suction: In homes with drain tiles around the foundation, they draw radon gas from the tiles and vent it safely outside.
Block wall suction: This method involves pulling radon from the hollow cavities within the blocks and venting it outside for homes with block wall foundations.
Each system creates negative pressure to prevent radon from entering the living spaces. This will keep the air you breathe safe.
How the Radon Mitigation System Works
A radon mitigation system reduces radon levels through a combination of ventilation and suction. The core principle is simple. Draw the radon from beneath the home and vent it outside, where it disperses harmlessly into the air.
Ventilation and suction methods: By creating suction beneath the foundation, the system pulls radon from the ground before it can seep indoors. This suction is maintained continuously to prevent radon buildup.
Pipes and fans: They install PVC pipes to channel radon from beneath the home to the outside. A radon mitigation fan drives the airflow, ensuring the radon is effectively vented away from the home.
Sealing entry points: Cracks and gaps in the foundation are sealed to minimize radon entry. While sealing alone isn’t enough, it works in tandem with the ventilation system to make the mitigation process more effective.
This system ensures radon is safely managed, keeping your home’s air clear and breathable.
Installation and Maintenance of a Radon Mitigation System
Installing a radon mitigation system is a straightforward process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure effectiveness. First, the contractor identifies the best location for the suction point- the lowest point in the home. They drill a hole in the foundation and install a pipe to draw radon gas from below. They attach a fan to the pipe to force the radon through it, then place another pipe on top of the fan to direct the gas outside the home. Finally, they seal all cracks in the foundation to ensure the system works efficiently.
Routine maintenance involves checking the fan to ensure it’s running smoothly, inspecting the seals for any deterioration, and occasionally retesting radon levels to confirm the system is working as intended. With proper care, a radon mitigation system can provide years of reliable protection.
The Importance of a Professional Installation
DIY radon mitigation might seem tempting, but having a professional install the system is crucial for ensuring it functions correctly. Improper design or installation can worsen radon levels by creating pressure imbalances or ineffective airflow.
Proper design/installation: A professional knows how to assess your home’s structure and determine the optimal placement for the system. This will ensure it effectively reduces radon levels without causing other issues. They also use the right materials and techniques, to install the radon mitigation fan and seal all the entry points.
A poorly installed system can lead to increased radon exposure or ineffective mitigation, putting your health at risk. Trusting a professional ensures the system works as intended, providing peace of mind and lasting protection for your home.
Trust Groundworks to Keep Your Family Safe
A radon mitigation system is essential for any home with elevated radon levels, but proper installation is key to ensuring its effectiveness. Every detail matters in keeping your home safe from this invisible threat, from the right design to skilled installation. That’s why it’s important to rely on certified professionals.
At Groundworks, our C-NRPP certified radon professionals tailor radon mitigation systems to your home’s needs, ensuring long-term safety for you and your family. Don’t leave radon to chance—contact us today to schedule your installation and protect your home.
Radon Mitigation FAQ
It’s recommended to have a professional install the system to ensure it meets EPA guidelines and is effective in reducing radon levels.
The EPA recommends taking action to mitigate radon in homes with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.
Properly designed and installed radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
