Let’s make this simple. If you have a passive radon system installed in your house and you don’t have a fan and it doesn’t go outside your roof or outside your house, you have PVC pipe. That’s all. You have a white PVC pipe that the contractor decided to install to help in the radon mitigation process. The problem is that it doesn’t do anything. Apart from the definition of “Passive” according to Webster’s dictionary it is, “Of or being an inactive”.
Here’s more good news for you, as you believe you’re ahead of the curve when it comes to radon mitigation, while the US EPA and the state of Iowa require anyone installing an active radon system to radon mitigation is properly trained, certified and licensed by the State, 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 is underneath. When PVC pipe is installed, it is supposed to run through the sub-base or concrete and into the dirt, gravel or sand below. When professional, licensed radon mitigators install an active radon mitigation system, they typically dig through the sub-slab and then excavate or remove up to 10 gallons of soil, gravel, or sand to adequately create a good suction point. They are creating a cavity to communicate with the rest of the dirt, gravel or sand below the concrete.
So what do you need to turn your PVC pipe into a radon mitigation system? These are some general guidelines and remember, depending on your state, installation must be done by a licensed radon mitigation specialist. Most passive systems are built as part of the house, so they usually run through the house inside walls, through closets, or along the corners of a room. PVC pipe can sometimes be completely exposed. PVC pipe must terminate through the roof and have adequate flashing and sealing to prevent leaks. Some contractors will install the passive radon system up to the attic, but will not penetrate through the roof. The purpose is to remove radon gases from the house, so it is essential to go through the roof.
One of the most essential items needed to activate your passive radon system is an electric fan. Supplying electricity to the attic to connect the fan is rarely done as part of a passive radon system. The size of the fan can vary depending on the type of material that is under the concrete. Once connected to the PVC pipe, it will now suck or exhaust the radon gas from below the foundation through the vent pipe and away from your home.
If you’re a visual person, imagine the PVC pipe as a giant straw running through your house to the gravel below the foundation. Gravel stones are like ice cubes in a drink. The fan draws the harmful radon gas from between these stones like liquid from a drink. Now your passive radon system is active and it really sucks, but in a good way.
If you’re concerned about radon gas and aren’t sure if you should 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. Your local radon mitigation companies will also have some test kits to purchase.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recommended an action level of 4.0 pico Curies per liter of air. To put that in perspective, 4.0 pCi/L is equal to half a pack of cigarettes per day coming into the house. Do you agree with that? Are your kids and pets okay with that? Getting your radon levels as close to zero as possible should be the ultimate goal when trying to protect your family. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
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, review the article again and see what you will need to make the system work. Radon silences before it silences you.