How to Remove Radon From a Basement

Radon is a toxic, radioactive substance that seeps through the ground and collects in confined spaces. Unfortunately, radon is a fact of life for basements in many parts of the country. In many cases, homes cannot be bought or sold without licensed testing and proper mitigation being documented. Reducing radon is done through a combination of preventing the radon from entering and collecting in the basement and a system for venting it out of the house efficiently.

Things You'll Need

• Expanding foam
• Wall caulk or sealers
• Fan
• PVC vent pipe

Instructions

1. Repair any gaps or cracks around utility pipes, between basement floors and walls, or in the walls themselves. Fill the holes or large cracks with expanding spray foam, and fill smaller cracks with caulk or painted sealers.

2. Open windows and doors to let clean outdoor air mix with the interior air and reduce the amount of radon present by volume. This will help eliminate some of the radon but only temporarily. When the basement is closed up again, the radon will slowly build up again.

3. Add a fan and vent combination to increase the exchange of air through the house and basement. When the interior air is forced out of the many house vents, the radon goes with it on a recurrent basis to keep the dwelling free of excess build-up.

4. Install a vent pipe into the ground through the basement floor and up and out of the house. This passive system is usually installed in most new homes but can be installed by a contractor into an existing basement. This usually involves digging out a portion of concrete, putting down crushed stone, adding the pipe and then pouring new concrete.

5. Turn the passive pipe into an active pipe by integrating an exhaust fan into the system at the top of the pipe to forcefully draw the air out. This active piping combination is the most effective and useful in the long term.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to use a capped sump pump to act as a radon vent pipe in basements where space constraints or financial restrictions make adding a new pipe difficult.

• If having a contractor install a radon system, shop around to find the best deal.

• Have your basement checked by an inspector if you suspect radon in your basement.

• Be sure any contractors used are licensed and bonded by the state to mitigate radon levels in the home.

• Never use dryer vent pipe for radon mitigation. PVC is the only acceptable piping for radon use.

References

• "Radon - Nuclear Fallout in Your Home"; Al Susoeff, Jr.; 2009