How to Maintain Your Radon Mitigation System and What Are the Best Practices
Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer and other health problems. It is naturally present in the soil and rocks, but it can also enter your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and pipes. Radon levels vary depending on the location, construction, and ventilation of your home. But how do you know if your home has high radon levels? And what can you do to reduce them?
If you have tested your home for radon and found that your radon level is above the Health Canada guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3), you should consider installing a radon mitigation system to lower your radon level. A radon mitigation system is a system that reduces the amount of radon that enters your home from the soil and rocks. It usually consists of a pipe that collects the radon from below the foundation of your home, and a fan that pushes the radon outside the home through the pipe. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) a radon mitigation system can reduce your radon level by up to 90% or more.
However, installing a radon mitigation system is not enough. You also need to maintain your radon mitigation system and follow the best practices to ensure its optimal performance and durability. In this blog post, we will share with you some basic tips and advice on how to maintain your radon mitigation system and what are the best practices.
How to Maintain Your Radon Mitigation System
A radon mitigation system is a relatively simple and low-maintenance system that can run continuously for years without requiring in-depth maintenance. However, as with any mechanical equipment, radon fans have a life expectancy and may need to be replaced or repaired over time. Therefore, you should check your radon mitigation system regularly and look for any signs of malfunction or damage.
Here are some steps that you can take to maintain your radon mitigation system:
Check the radon fan. Verifying the functionality of the radon fan within your radon mitigation system is paramount to ensuring its efficacy in reducing indoor radon concentrations. As the primary component responsible for facilitating radon removal, the radon fan should operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without interruption. There are several methods to assess the performance of your radon fan and identify any potential issues. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends listening for the characteristic hum or vibration of the radon fan to confirm its operational status. Regular auditory inspections can help detect any irregularities or unusual sounds that may indicate mechanical malfunctions or motor failure. Additionally, physically inspecting the radon fan unit for visible signs of damage, such as worn components, loose connections, or corrosion, can provide valuable insights into its condition. Routine maintenance checks of the electrical power supply and wiring associated with the radon fan are essential to ensure uninterrupted operation and prevent electrical hazards. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) advises homeowners to inspect the electrical connections and wiring for signs of wear, overheating, or corrosion, which may compromise the integrity of the radon mitigation system. Ensuring that the electrical components are securely connected and properly grounded is vital for optimizing the performance and safety of the radon fan. Age and wear are important considerations when evaluating the condition of the radon fan. The International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2) recommends replacing radon fans that are more than 10 years old, as they may experience reduced efficiency and increased risk of mechanical failure over time. Furthermore, any deviations from the fan's normal operating parameters, such as decreased airflow or increased noise levels, warrant immediate attention and may necessitate fan replacement to maintain optimal radon mitigation performance.
Check the piping system. Verifying the integrity of the piping system within your radon mitigation system is crucial for ensuring effective radon gas removal and preventing potential leaks or blockages. The Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) emphasizes the importance of a properly installed and maintained piping system in facilitating the safe venting of radon gas from beneath your home's foundation to the outdoor environment. The piping system consists of durable PVC pipes that extend from the sub-slab area to the exterior of the home, providing a direct pathway for radon gas to be vented outdoors. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends inspecting the piping system regularly to identify any signs of damage, deterioration, or obstructions that may impede the flow of radon gas. During routine inspections, homeowners should visually assess the piping system for any visible defects, such as cracks, holes, or leaks, which could compromise its effectiveness in radon mitigation. Homeowners should pay particular attention to joints and connections, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent radon gas from escaping into the living space. It is essential to check the piping system for any blockages caused by debris, dirt, or ice accumulation, which can obstruct the flow of radon gas and diminish the system's performance. The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) recommends clearing any obstructions from the piping system and ensuring that the vent pipe remains unobstructed to allow for the efficient venting of radon gas. If any issues are detected during the inspection of the piping system, homeowners are advised to promptly contact a certified radon professional for remediation. These professionals possess the expertise and specialized equipment necessary to assess and address any problems with the piping system, ensuring continued compliance with radon mitigation standards and regulations.
Check the manometer. Verifying the functionality of the manometer within your radon mitigation system is essential for monitoring the system's performance and ensuring effective radon gas removal. The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) highlights the significance of the manometer in assessing the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the radon mitigation pipe, providing valuable insights into the system's operation. The manometer, typically installed near the point of entry of the radon mitigation pipe into your home, serves as a visual indicator of the suction level generated by the radon fan. It consists of a U-shaped tube filled with a colored liquid, with one side connected to the pipe and the other open to the air. The Indoor Environments Association (IEA) explains that the manometer's design allows for the observation of changes in liquid levels, reflecting variations in pressure within the piping system. During routine inspections, homeowners should visually assess the manometer to ensure that the liquid level is consistently higher on the side connected to the pipe than on the open side. This differential liquid level indicates the presence of suction generated by the radon fan, confirming proper system operation. Any deviation from this expected pattern, such as a leveling or lowering of the liquid on the pipe side, may indicate issues with the radon fan or pipe integrity. Recording manometer readings at regular intervals is essential for tracking system performance and identifying potential abnormalities. Any significant changes or irregularities in manometer readings should prompt homeowners to seek assistance from a certified radon professional to investigate and address the underlying cause promptly.
What Are the Best Practices for Your Radon Mitigation System
Besides maintaining your radon mitigation system, you should also follow the best practices to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Here are some best practices that you should follow for your radon mitigation system:
Test your home for radon regularly. Even if you have a radon mitigation system, you should still test your home for radon regularly to make sure that your radon level is below the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m3. Radon levels can change over time due to various factors, such as changes in the soil, weather, or building conditions. Therefore, you should test your home for radon at least once every two years, or more frequently if you make any changes to your home that may affect the radon level, such as renovations, repairs, or alterations. You can either buy a do-it-yourself long-term radon test kit from a hardware store or online, or hire a certified radon measurement professional to do the test for you.
Choose a certified radon professional. If you need to install, repair, or replace your radon mitigation system, you should always choose a certified radon professional to do the job. A certified radon professional has the training, experience, and equipment to provide you with the best radon solutions. A certified radon professional can also offer you a warranty and a guarantee for their work, and ensure that your radon mitigation system meets the standards and regulations.
Educate yourself and others about radon. Radon is a serious health hazard that can affect any home, old or new. You should educate yourself and others about radon, its risks, and its solutions. You can find more information and resources about radon on the websites of Health Canada, the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program, the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . You can also share your radon story and inspire others to take action and test their home.
Conclusion
Having a radon mitigation system in your home is a great way to protect your health and your home from radon. However, you should also maintain your radon mitigation system and follow the best practices to ensure its optimal performance and durability. By doing so, you can breathe easy and enjoy a healthier and safer living environment. If you have any questions or comments about radon or our services, please leave them below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.