To mitigate for Radon,
a system is installed that creates a slight vacuum under the basement slab
. … In older houses two PVC pipes are used, since there is dirt or sand under the basement slab. In new construction, one pipe is enough because there is gravel under the slab and air moves more freely.
How does a radon vent work?
A radon vent fan connected to the suction pipes
draws the radon gas from below the home and releases it into the outdoor air while simultaneously creating a negative pressure or vacuum beneath the slab
. Common fan locations include unconditioned home and garage spaces, including attics and the exterior of the home.
What is a radon vent pipe?
Radon mitigation is any process or system used to
reduce
radon concentrations in buildings. … Radon mitigation systems use a fan to continuously pull air from the soil and exhaust it outdoors through a pipe. The pipe can either run inside or outside the home and discharges outside, away from the windows and openings.
Does radon have to be vented through the roof?
Another important aspect of the radon piping installation is that it
must vent 12′′ above a roof of the building
, not highest roof or above the peak is required. … A common bad practice is to install a pipe out the side of the house like you would vent a furnace or a dryer vent.
What is a radon gas vent?
A active radon vent fan is installed to create a permanent
and consistent negative pressure within
the system. The negative pressure draws the radon gas to the suction point(s) where it is sucked through the radon system and vented to a safe elevation above the home or building.
Can I vent radon out the side of my house?
It should be “safe” to terminate the radon pipe
15 or 20 feet
above the ground (which exceeds the 10 foot minimum height standard). It is also well over 10 feet horizontal distance from any windows or vents to the sides or above including any soffit vents that may be present.
What are symptoms of radon?
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. … Since removing radon is relatively simple,
your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place
.
Is radon only in the basement?
Basements aren’t the only place you can find radon
. This is a common assumption since radon is most commonly found in basements. Unfortunately, it’s also very wrong. Radon gas can be found anywhere in any home, not just in the basement.
Where should a radon mitigation system be vented?
EPA’s Radon Mitigation Standards require vent discharge points
to be above the roofline
, and no less than 10 feet sideways or 2 feet above any windows or vents.
How long does radon stay in the air?
Once produced, radon moves through the ground to the air above. Some remains below the surface and dissolves in water that collects and flows under the ground’s surface. Radon has a half-
life of about four days
– half of a given quantity of it breaks down every four days.
How do I get rid of radon in my basement?
In homes that have a basement or a slab-on-grade foundation, radon is usually reduced by one of four types of soil suction:
subslab suction, drain-tile suction, sump-hole suction, or block-wall suction
.
Can you vent radon into attic?
In retrofit situations the attic installed system is usually installed through a garage with the radon vent fan in the garage attic. … The radon suction pipes are installed in the basement or crawlspace and enter the soil below it. Radon gas and other soil gas is drawn into the suction pipes from the soil.
How much does it cost to fix radon?
On average, the cost is
between $800 and $1,200
. After installation, you can expect an annual running expense between $100 and $125. How lower radon levels: The process of fixing radon can seem daunting at first but remind yourself of the investment you’re making in yours and your family’s future.
Does radon have a smell?
Because radon gas can’t be seen or smelled
, the only way to know whether you’re being exposed to it is to test for it. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon, produced by the EPA, explains how to test your home for radon easily and inexpensively, and what to do if your levels are too high.
Do radon systems need maintenance?
Similar to a furnace or chimney, radon reduction systems
need some occasional maintenance
. You should look at your warning device on a regular basis to make sure the system is working correctly. … It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.
