How To Know If a Radon Mitigation Contractor Did a Good Job

A radon mitigation contractor should perform the following basic steps when putting a radon mitigation system in your home:

  • Perform an evaluation of the home, including a visual inspection and other investigation and diagnostic techniques, when designing an appropriate system.
  • Label the radon mitigation system clearly to avoid accidental changes to the system. For example, the radon system pipe can be mistaken for a plumbing pipe.
  • To prevent radon from reentering the home, the mitigator should locate the discharge:
    • above the eave of the roof
    • at least 10 feet or more above ground level
    • be 10 feet or more away from any opening into an adjacent building
    • If any opening into the structure (window, door or other opening into conditioned spaces of the structure) is less than two feet below the discharge vertically, then the discharge must be at least 10 feet from the opening diagonally.

      The total required distance (10 feet) from the point of discharge to openings in the structure may be measured either directly between the two points or be the sum of measurements made around intervening obstacles.

      Whenever possible, the exhaust point should be positioned above the highest eave of the building and as close to the roof ridge line as possible.
  • Install a radon system fan in an appropriate place. The radon system fan must not be in or below a livable area. If installing a radon system fan outside, the fan must meet local electric code requirements for exterior use.
  • Follow local code requirements when installing electrical connections for radon mitigation systems.
  • Install a warning device that is easily seen or heard to alert you if your system stops working properly.
  • Explain and demonstrate how your radon mitigation system works and how to maintain it.
  • Provide you with written operation and maintenance instructions and copies of any warranties.

Once your contractor has completed these steps, you should verify the system is working by conducting a post-mitigation test within 30 days of installation but no sooner than 24 hours after your system is in operation with the fan on. Retest again at least every two years. In Nevada, it is recommended that testing be done during the heating season months.

Howe, S. 2019, Radon Mitigation - How To Know If a Radon Mitigation Contractor Did a Good Job, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP

Extension Associated Contacts

Christine Kelly
Christine Kelly
 

Also of Interest:

 
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Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Invasive Species
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Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Carbon and Nutrient Cycling
The encroachment of pinyon-juniper woodlands into sagebrush ecosystems alters nutrient cycling. This fact sheet details how encroachment affects nutrient availability and carbon sequestration.
 Putz, T., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-118
 

Associated Programs

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Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.