Installation
OK, you've tested your home for radon and your results are above the EPA Action Level of 4 pCi/l. Now what should you do? You know indoor radon kills between 7,000 and 30,000 Americans every year. So what's your next step?
You Need to Install a Radon Mitigation System
There are many radon mitigation system strategies. Most will involve some method of drawing the deadly gas out of the soil from around your house before it gets a chance to come in. This is usually done with a special radon mitigation fan and a system of pipes along with other techniques such as sealing.
Installation Procedure
A. Suction Tap
A specified number of suction tap(s) will be installed in the least noticeable unfinished area of the basement. A suction tap is a 4 in. hole drilled into the concrete floor, under which roughly five gallons of dirt and/or stone is removed.
B. Piping System
A 4"x3" PVC fitting is inserted into the tap and connected to a 3" PVC pipe for maximum air suction. A piping system of 3" PVC will be routed in the areas of the ceiling joist or along the side walls in order to connect the suction tap(s). Each tap is then sealed with caulking. The system will be installed so as not to interfere with the living space, and to provide maximum headroom.
C. Radon Fan
A radon fan will be mounted on the exterior of the house in the area where the PVC pipe exits the home. We use Radon Away, Festa AMG, and Fantech fans.
D. Electrical Components
The fan will use a 115V power source provided by the existing electrical layout of the property. An Outdoor Electrical Disconnect Switch will be installed next to the fan for emergency and service purposes. ALL WIRING WILL BE INSTALLED PROPERLY FOLLOWING ELECTRICAL CODES.
E. Exhaust Riser Pipe
The system exhaust riser will consist of 2"x3" downspout or 3" PVC pipe, and run from the fan upward toward the roof line or installed as to be in compliance with the EPA guidelines. We offer three standard colors of downspout pipe: white, almond, and brown - We can also use copper piping for a more pleasing look.
F. Sealing of Entry Points
The following measures will be employed where accessible as deemed necessary upon installation:
- Seal perimeter cracks where the basement and walls meet with closed cell foam and/or hard caulk where accessible.
- Seal major cracks and expansion joints in the slab floor where accessible.
- Seal major cracks in foundation walls where accessible (does not include plastering stone walls).
- Seal lolly support columns, plumbing pipe penetrations, and electrical conduits below grade where accessible.
- Seal any sump pits with a removable lid where accessible. Please inform us of any past or present water problems in the basement.
G. Negative Pressure Indicator
A (u-tube manometer) will be placed on the piping system in the basement. This negative pressure indicator is an important component of a good radon mitigation system. The u-tube manometer shows if the system is working properly and gives indication if there is failure in the radon system. It is not a radon measurement device. We will provide instructions regarding the workings of the visual indicator and we will provide our phone number next to the visual indicator to call for service.
*For an interior system the fan will be installed in the attic or garage and vent through the roof. The cut will be sealed with a weatherproof vent cap.We will install the emergency disconnect switch near the fan.
Installation Example Photos
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