How to Eliminate Radon From Your Basement?

Eliminating radon from your basement primarily involves actively mitigating the gas before it enters your living spaces, most effectively achieved through sub-slab depressurization (SSD). This system draws radon-laden air from beneath the basement floor and vents it safely outside, preventing it from accumulating indoors.

Understanding the Radon Threat in Basements

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant health risk when it accumulates in homes, especially in basements. Being heavier than air, radon seeps up from the soil, rock, and water beneath your home, entering through cracks, gaps, and other openings in the foundation. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can significantly increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Since basements are typically the lowest point in a home and often have poorer ventilation, they are particularly susceptible to radon buildup. Therefore, effective mitigation is crucial to ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Identifying the pathways and then addressing them is the key to reducing radon levels.

Assessing Your Radon Levels

Before embarking on any mitigation efforts, it’s essential to determine the radon levels in your basement. This is done through radon testing.

Types of Radon Tests

• Short-Term Tests: These tests typically last 2-7 days and provide a quick snapshot of radon levels. They are suitable for initial screening.
• Long-Term Tests: These tests run for 90 days or more, offering a more accurate reflection of average radon levels throughout the year. They are recommended for confirming elevated levels detected by short-term tests.
• DIY Kits: These kits are readily available at hardware stores and online retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to use.
• Professional Testing: Hiring a certified radon professional ensures accurate testing and provides expert interpretation of the results. They can also advise on the best mitigation strategies.

The EPA’s action level for radon is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your test results exceed this level, radon mitigation is highly recommended.

Effective Mitigation Strategies

The most common and effective method for eliminating radon from basements is sub-slab depressurization (SSD). However, other techniques can also contribute to reducing radon levels.

Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)

This system involves creating a low-pressure zone beneath the concrete slab of the basement. A pipe is inserted through the slab, and a fan is used to draw radon-laden air from beneath the foundation. This air is then vented safely outside, away from windows and doors.

• Installation: SSD systems are typically installed by certified radon mitigation professionals. The process involves drilling a hole through the slab, creating a suction pit, installing the piping, and connecting the fan.
• Effectiveness: SSD systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%, making them a highly effective mitigation solution.
• Cost: The cost of installing an SSD system typically ranges from $800 to $2500, depending on the complexity of the installation and the size of the home.

Sealing Cracks and Openings

Sealing cracks and openings in the basement floor and walls can help reduce radon entry points. This involves using caulk, epoxy, or other sealants to close gaps and prevent radon from seeping into the basement.

• Effectiveness: While sealing alone may not be sufficient to reduce radon levels below the EPA’s action level, it can be a valuable complementary measure.
• DIY or Professional: Sealing can be done as a DIY project, but for larger or more complex cracks, professional assistance may be required.

Improving Ventilation

Increasing ventilation in the basement can help dilute radon concentrations. This can be achieved by opening windows and doors, using fans, or installing a radon mitigation ventilation system.

• Effectiveness: Ventilation alone is typically not sufficient to reduce high radon levels, but it can be a helpful supplementary measure.
• Considerations: Ventilation may increase energy costs, especially during colder months.

Sump Pump Depressurization

If your basement has a sump pump, it can be modified to help depressurize the area beneath the slab. This involves sealing the sump pit and connecting it to a vent pipe that exhausts radon to the outside.

• Effectiveness: Sump pump depressurization can be effective in reducing radon levels, particularly when combined with other mitigation techniques.

Block Wall Depressurization

For basements with hollow block walls, depressurizing the wall cavities can help reduce radon entry. This involves drilling into the blocks and connecting them to a vent pipe.

• Effectiveness: Block wall depressurization can be effective in reducing radon levels in homes with hollow block foundations.

Maintaining Your Radon Mitigation System

After installing a radon mitigation system, it’s essential to maintain it properly to ensure its continued effectiveness.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the system to ensure that the fan is running and that there are no cracks or leaks in the piping.
• Re-testing: Retest your home for radon every two years to ensure that the mitigation system is still effectively reducing radon levels.
• Fan Replacement: Radon mitigation fans typically have a lifespan of 5-10 years. Replace the fan when it fails to maintain the necessary airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does radon get into my basement?

Radon enters basements through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes and wiring, porous concrete, and even through the water supply. The suction created by the stack effect (warm air rising and escaping, drawing air from below) also contributes to radon entry.

2. Is radon more dangerous to children than adults?

While radon is dangerous for everyone, children might be slightly more susceptible due to their higher respiration rate and the fact that their cells are still developing. They are also likely to have longer lifetime exposure to radon.

3. Can I sell my home if it has high radon levels?

Yes, you can sell your home with high radon levels. However, you are legally required to disclose the radon levels to potential buyers in many states. It’s often advantageous to mitigate the radon before selling to make the property more appealing.

4. How much does a radon test cost?

DIY radon test kits typically cost between $20 and $50. Professional radon testing can range from $150 to $300, depending on the type of test and the location.

5. What are the long-term health effects of radon exposure?

The primary long-term health effect of radon exposure is lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking.

6. Can radon come from well water?

Yes, radon can dissolve in well water. When the water is used for showering, washing dishes, or other household activities, radon gas can be released into the air. If well water is suspected, test it separately for radon.

7. Do I need a radon mitigation system if I’m only using my basement for storage?

Even if the basement is only used for storage, radon can still seep into the living areas of your home. Mitigation is recommended if the radon levels exceed the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L, regardless of basement usage.

8. How noisy is a radon mitigation fan?

Most modern radon mitigation fans are designed to be relatively quiet. They typically produce a low hum that is comparable to a refrigerator. However, some older or poorly installed fans can be noisier. Soundproofing measures can be implemented if noise is a concern.

9. What is the difference between active and passive radon mitigation systems?

Active radon mitigation systems use a fan to actively draw radon gas from beneath the foundation, while passive systems rely on natural airflow and pressure differentials to vent radon gas. Active systems are generally more effective, especially in areas with high radon levels.

10. Can I install a radon mitigation system myself?

While it is possible to install a radon mitigation system yourself, it is strongly recommended to hire a certified radon mitigation professional. They have the expertise and equipment to properly design and install the system, ensuring its effectiveness and safety. Incorrect installation can lead to system failure or even higher radon levels.

11. Will sealing cracks in my basement floor completely eliminate radon?

Sealing cracks alone is unlikely to completely eliminate radon. While it can help reduce radon entry, it is generally not sufficient to lower radon levels below the EPA’s action level. It should be used as a complementary measure to other mitigation techniques.

12. How do I find a certified radon mitigation professional?

You can find a certified radon mitigation professional through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST). These organizations maintain directories of certified professionals in your area. Always verify their credentials and experience before hiring.