Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in almost all soils and rock. When uranium in these materials decays, it releases radon gas into the air and water. It typically accumulates in groundwater supplies drilled into bedrock, where it cannot gain access to atmospheric oxygen. This can lead to a high concentration of radon in your water. If you have a private well, there are radon mitigation systems that can help you remove this problem from your home.
One method is the sub-slab depressurization system. This involves running pipes in your basement, through your foundation walls and beneath the slab floor. A fan attached to the pipe creates suction that draws radon gases from the soil and exhausts them out of the house. This type of system is effective in homes with block-wall foundations or for those who do not want to have a system installed on the exterior of the house.
Other radon mitigation systems are designed to be retrofitted to existing drainage systems in your home. These include sump pumps and drain tiles, which are usually located in the basement. A PVC pipe is connected to these systems in the basement, and a fan attached to this pipe creates suction that pulls radon gases from below the basement floor and vents them outside the house. A radon monitor is usually placed near the pipe in the basement so that you can check the effectiveness of the system over time.
You can also install a radon mitigation system radon brønn in the crawl space of your home. These systems work by reducing the pressure in the crawl space using a plastic vapor barrier that blocks the entrance of radon gases from the soil below the crawl space. A fan that is attached to the vapor barrier reduces the pressure in the crawl space and radon gasses are drawn up through the barrier and pushed out of the house through a pipe on the roof.
There are two main types of radon mitigation systems for your home, passive and active. An active system has a fan that is constantly operating, while a passive system relies on the natural draw of the soil beneath the foundation for radon removal. Both systems are effective in reducing radon levels, but the type of system you choose will depend on several factors.
One factor is the type of fill used in the construction of your home. If the fill is porous, radon gas will be able to escape easily. If the fill is dense, such as clay or rock, it will be more difficult to extract radon gas. A professional will be able to advise you of the best radon mitigation system for your home. You should have your house tested for radon at least twice, once in the winter and again in the summer. A radon test kit is available inexpensively online and at most hardware stores. Once the results are known, your radon professional will be able to design and install an effective radon mitigation system for your house.