You’ve got that radon mitigation system humming away, but is it really doing the job? Don’t just cross your fingers and hope for the best—follow these tips to ensure your system is in top-notch shape. From checking if the fan is working properly to making sure the exhaust location is in the right place, we are here to guide you. Read more to learn how to check if your radon mitigation system is working correctly.
Test or retest your home.
The only way to ensure a radon mitigation system is performing optimally is to test or retest your home. The EPA recommends retesting every 2 years or whenever significant changes to the home structure or mechanical systems occur.
We also recommend using certified radon measurement professionals to provide you with a more detailed radon report and a radon mitigation system inspection. Any way you choose to test, if your levels are low throughout your home, that is your first indication that the system is doing its job. If the levels are elevated, contact a certified professional to diagnose what’s going on and provide maintenance services to get your system running properly.
Signs your radon system might need maintenance
Some things to watch out for after a radon mitigation system installation that would require maintenance include:
1. If the fan is off.
Check to see if the fan is plugged in and turned on. Make sure the breaker is not thrown. If the U-tube is on 0 and plugged in, then call our radon professionals to request maintenance on your system.
2. Fan noise changes or becomes loud.
Changes in any hum your fan makes is not normal, unless there are heavy rains in your area where you might hear a gurgling noise, which is normal. Every fan has a slight humming sound, but if you notice that it suddenly becomes loud, then it’s best to have a professional look at it.
3. System seal changes or leaks.
Check the U-tube and check the seals at the base of your system as well as around your sump pump (if applicable) to make sure there are no air leaks. Do this by running your hand along seams to see if you can feel air escaping.
4. If a pipe or fan is damaged.
If a pipe or a fan is damaged by falling branches or a storm, you will need to call a professional to address this issue.

Check the system’s monitor.
Make it a habit to regularly check this. The majority of radon mitigation systems have what is called a manometer. Some systems have an indicator light or audible alarm. Whichever device you have, it should have instructions to help you understand how to interpret whether or not the system is on and running. If you don’t have a radon system monitor, you should have one installed so you can have a way to systematically check that the radon fan is running.
Note: passive radon mitigation systems typically will not have a monitor because they do not have an active radon vent fan. Your best way to monitor your passive radon system is to do radon tests during the different seasons of the year or long term tests. If your radon levels are high, you can activate the passive radon system.
Is your radon mitigation system alarm going off?
If you need to reset your radon mitigation system alarm, follow these instructions.
Check the exhaust location.
One of the most basic rules of installing radon mitigation systems is knowing where to locate the exhaust of the system. The vent should always exhaust at least ten feet above the ground or standing areas like decks or patios. The vent exhaust should be four feet higher than any window, door or other opening into conditioned space that is less than ten feet away from it. Also, it needs to be far away from any mechanical intake like an evaporative cooler.
These guidelines help to prevent radon re-entry. The levels can be extreme at the exhaust end of the pipe. You do not want that gas to be inhaled at breathable height or come back into the home or building.
Check that the radon system covers the entire home.
If you have a multi-level home, crawlspace, addition or just a lot of square footage, a simple radon system with one pipe and a fan may not be the right system for your home.
Usually, in homes and buildings that have more than one footprint, a radon mitigation system composed of multiple suction points is required. Conduct a radon test in multiple locations around your home and the basement as well as a room above the crawlspace or slab on grade if you have one.
If the radon system wasn’t installed for the entire footprint, you could still be at risk for radon entry.
There are several ways to check if your radon mitigation system is working properly. Working with experienced radon mitigation professionals ensures you have a system that’s installed correctly and will protect your family from radon gas. Contact our team at Protect Environmental to test your home for radon, install a radon mitigation system, or address any issues you may have with a previous installation.
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Make sure your radon system continues to function properly so that your indoor air is safe from radon gas.