Your passive radon system sucks, doesn’t it?

Let’s make this simple. If you have a passive radon system installed in your home and you don’t have a fan and it’s not coming out of the roof or exterior of your home, you have PVC pipe. That’s. You have a white PVC pipe that the contractor decided to install to aid in the radon mitigation process. The problem is that it is not doing anything. Part of Webster’s definition of “passive” is “of or being inactive.”

Here’s some more good news for you as you believe you are on the cutting edge when it comes to radon mitigation, while the US EPA and the state of Iowa require anyone to install an active system radon mitigation agent is properly trained, certified and state licensed, there are no training or certification requirements for the contractor installing a passive system.

Sometimes these passive radon systems are installed in such a way that they become unusable or ineffective. The only way to know is to cut or disconnect the PVC pipe where it goes through the concrete to investigate what’s underneath. When the PVC pipe is installed, it is supposed to go through the sub-slab or concrete and reach the dirt, gravel or sand underneath. When professional and licensed radon mitigators install an active radon mitigation system, they typically excavate through the sub-slab and then excavate or remove up to 10 gallons of dirt, gravel, or sand to properly create a good base point. suction. They are creating a cavity to communicate with the rest of the dirt, gravel or sand under the concrete.

So what do you have now to turn your PVC pipe into a radon mitigation system? Here are some general guidelines and remember, depending on your state, the installation should be done by a licensed radon mitigation specialist. Most passive systems are built as part of the house, so they typically go through the house inside walls, through closets, or into the corners of a room. PVC pipe can sometimes be completely exposed. PVC pipe must terminate through the roof and have proper roof flashing and sealing to avoid creating leaks. Some contractors will install the passive radon system up to the attic, but it will not penetrate through the roof. The purpose is to get radon gases out of the house, so getting through the roof is critical.

One of the most essential items needed to activate your passive radon system is the electric fan. The supply of electricity to the attic to connect the fan is rarely done as part of a passive radon system. The size of the fan may vary depending on the type of material underneath the concrete. Once connected to the PVC pipe, it will now suck or blow the radon gas from under the foundation through the vent pipe and away from your home.

If you are a visual person, imagine the PVC pipe as a giant straw that runs through your house to the gravel under the foundation. Gravel stones are like ice cubes in a drink. The fan draws in the harmful radon gas from between these stones like the liquid in a drink. Now your passive radon system is up and it really sucks, but in a good way.

If you are concerned about radon gas and are not sure whether to install a radon mitigation system, the first thing to do, of course, is to test your home. Home radon test kits can be purchased at most hardware stores or large home improvement stores like Lowes. Local radon mitigation companies will also be able to purchase some test kits.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recommended the action level of 4.0 pico Curie per liter of air. To put that in perspective, 4.0 pCi / L is equal to half a pack of cigarettes per day that you enter the home. Do you agree with that? Are your children and pets okay with that? Getting your radon levels close to zero should be the end goal when it comes to protecting your family. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers.

After you get your radon test results and if they are high, it is time to mitigate them. If you have a passive radon system installed, check the article again and see what you will need to make the system work. Silence radon before you silence it.