How do I maintain my radon system?

Why Radon System maintenance is important

Far too many people think radon systems last forever.  I get calls like this every week: “uh, yeah I need a new radon pump.  It died.”  “When?”  I ask.  “I don’t know, we moved in in 2006 and just thought it was running.” Long pause while we contemplate the carcinogen exposure over 15+ years.  “Let’s get you a radon test and an NRPP certified mitigator!”  

Radon mitigation systems have moving parts.  Just like your furnace, A/C system, sprinkler system, water heater, etc.., your radon fan is a home appliance and it needs to be checked often.  I’ve put together this blog full of helpful tips and suggestions, however, the best way to perform annual maintenance is to have an NRPP certified professional visit the home.  Ask for a “compliance inspector” course completion certificate for the absolute best-trained radon mitigation system inspectors in the country.

RED FLAGS

Have you checked for RED FLAGS yet?  Red flags are a sure sign you should hire a certified pro to inspect and your system.

CLICK HERE to view the most common RED FLAGS

EPA Recommendation: Testing is the MOST important step

The single most important piece of maintenance is a radon test.  Think of it like your oil change or teeth cleaning: you just gotta do it and do it often.  The EPA recommends testing all radon mitigation systems at least once every two years in the winter months.  I do it annually since it’s so cheap.  A digital continuous radon monitor is NOT a replacement for a laboratory test (read why here).  If your radon tests low, then at least you know your system is working–it may not be working efficiently, but at least you’re limiting your exposure.  If it tests high, then you can immediately call a certified pro for inspection and service.  Pro inspections typically cost between $175-400 depending on the market and home size.

Radon Alarm for Fan Failure

Do you have a radon alarm?  Odds are you do not.  ANSI AARST standards, the world’s most up-to-date radon testing and mitigation consensus standards, were updated in 2020 to reflect a need for a system failure alarm.  Since so many homeowners are unaware of radon system maintenance, and so many radon contractors are not educating their clients, our industry decided that a fan failure alarm was warranted.  All radon systems now should have an audible or visual fan failure alarm.  This way, if the radon fan dies, power is lost, or another airflow issue occurs, the homeowner will see or hear that there is a problem immediately, rather than find out during their next radon test sometimes months or years later.  This is also why we designed the KTA 2.0 system which employs both an audible and visual system monitor that reacts to a variety of fan failure states.  Learn more here.

Annual Maintenance Suggestions

After testing and installing an alarm, here are some tips for continuing radon system maintenance:

Manometer check

First, check the U tube. We devoted a whole video to this on our YouTube channel. A U tube manometer is a pressure gauge (named for its shape). It reads how much pressure is in the system using “inches of water column.” This is NOT a radon level.  The only “bad” readings on a U tube is zero, equal lines, or max pressure (fan specific).  The big thing to watch for is a zero or “even” reading.  Next you want to see if there have been any major changes in pressure.  The original pressure should be noted on the service record or a sticker nearby–sometimes it’s even notated in sharpie right on the PVC.

Pressure drops indicate leaks or a dying fan.  A significant pressure drop could mean your crawlspace barrier ripped or your PVC pipe is loose. Pressure increases typically mean the system is jammed with something.  Did it rain recently?  Has the water table risen? Have you checked your pipe for debris?  Bird barriers serve an important purpose.  Radon fans move warm air.  Squirrels, birds, snakes have all met their demise from an unprotected radon exhaust.  This kills the critter and the fan.  

Fan check

An important part of radon system inspection is to check for debris inside the system.  An easy way to do this is to first cut power to the fan. You can then remove the fan couplings and pull the fan off the system.  Use a flashlight to look up and down the pipe.  If you see debris, remove it with a shop vac.  Next, take your fan–while disconnected from power–flip it upside down, then burp it like a baby.  Seriously, manually spinning the fan impeller from underneath and tapping your fan can get rid of all sorts of debris.  Leaves, dead bugs, insulation, construction debris, dust, etc.: all these things can increase fan noise and impede your system function. Once all debris has been removed, reinstall your fan and make sure it powers up!  Hopefully your alarm beeped through this whole process, as you technically lost power to the fan.

Air leakage and efficiency checks

After checking your fan and U tube, you’ll want to ensure you have no leaks in the system.  You can use a smoke bottle to test for rips in crawlspace barrier or sump lids that you cannot see with the naked eye.  Puff the chemical smoke nearby, if it gets sucked down, that shows you air that your home is loosing to the radon system.  Check for leaks, especially inside the home, and at all PVC junctions.  An efficient radon system should only move soil air.  Air from inside the home that gets pulled in through PVC cracks, barrier rips, or unmitigated spaces is something that can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of your system.  Are there any cracks in your floor or foundation? Seal them with NovaLink 35 sealant or sealbond .  You will see significant energy savings over time if you have a well sealed system.

Radon Test: the most valuable maintenance step

Lastly, perform a radon test! Oh I already said that? Then it must be really important!

Once you’ve done all of the above and your test results have come back under 2.7 pCi/L, your maintenance is complete. Many NRPP licensed pros now offer subscription based radon system maintenance and monitoring. Be sure to ask your local NRPP certified pro if they do follow up testing and maintenance.  Let them take it off your plate and give you peace of mind!