What's wrong with this picture: Radon Vent
ANSWER: Improperly installed radon mitigation system vent.
This is a picture of the fan and exhaust vent for an active radon gas mitigation system. When a home is tested for radon and found to have a high level, this is the type of system usually installed to fix the problem and remove the radon gas.
The problem with this one is that it was not installed by a trained/certified/licensed company. This vent pipe is barely more than 3 feet above ground level. So the vented radon gas, which can be at a VERY high level, is easily re-entrained into the home through the lower openings such as windows, doors, and outlets.
This is easily fixed by having a qualified licensed radon mitigation contractor extend the vent pipe so it extends at least one foot above the roof line, allowing the radon gas coming out of that vent pipe to dissipate safely into the atmosphere. Luckily this is not a big expense...assuming the inside part of the installation is OK.
Comments
Radon Exhaust Vent
I do believe there must be a way to direct the vent through the exterior rather than going through a window. You most certainly want to keep the window available, especially if it's an egress window.
The gentleman that installed my system would probably have a good answer to your question. Go to www.aamesradon.com and email or call. I know Clarke quite well and I've seen his work many times. He's NEHA certified and will be quite helpful.
Window/Plywood Exit
This would not be an acceptable option. I would highly recommend that you find a different mitigation specialist. Please make sure they are certified with PA DEP and that their license is current. I would also check to see if they are also members of AARST. Being an AARST member isn't required, but an individual taking this extra step demonstrates their professionalism and interest in keeping current with best practices in our industry.
Radon Exhaust Vent - window
I am in the process of purchasing a stone ranch home in Allentown, PA. It was built in 1957. The home inspection revealed high radon levels. The remediation specialist intends to remove a basement window and run the exhaust through a piece of plywood inserted into the window opening. I am concerned that the plywood is not a permanent solution. It will not be as secure as a window, or as able to tolerate weather conditions as well as glass. Are you able to offer any better solutions?
Outside of smoking, radon is
Outside of smoking, radon is considered to be the leading cause of cancer. It's a carcinogen that most people find in their homes. In order to reduce this, you have to properly vent your home and minimize the radon levels.
Outside of smoking, radon is
Outside of smoking, radon is considered to be the leading cause of cancer. It's a carcinogen that most people find in their homes. In order to reduce this, you have to properly vent your home and minimize the radon levels.
Radon Vent on Roof
Great question. It is generally accepted that any water in the pipe system, rain, snow, or condensation, should drain to the soil. Therefore, any horizontal runs of pipe should slope toward the soil to avoid the possibility of water collecting in the pipes. Also, there is usually an internal gutter system installed on the positive side of the fan that routes much of the moisture in the pipe around the fan. Sounds like you might not have the internal gutter system. You should consider having that installed when the fan is replaced.
Good discussion
Thanks for all the information and feedback through the comments, it's been really great to read this morning!
Blessings,
-The guys at Warren Heating and Air
www.warrenair.net
Radon Vent on Roof
With a radon vent pipe on the roof, as explained by Martin Smith, how do you prevent rain water and snow from running down the pipe and rusting the fan? I have this configuration in my home and the fan in the attic looks like it is rusting and sound like it is failing. I know there is water in the system before the seal on the fan was recently leaking.
The Definitive Cause?
Radon Vent
What Joe said...except, EPA no longer approves mitigation professionals or measurement professionals. So the recommendation would be for a NEHA or NRSB or state licensed/certified mitigation professional. (Some states have their own radon program with their own licensing/certification requirements)
What's wrong with this picture - radon vent
Well, for starters, the exhaust side of the fan needs to extend above the soffit of the house. I would also question why the fan is not protected from the elements. This just scratches the surface. If I were inspecting the dwelling depicted, and saw this obviously poor installation of the mitigation system, I would question the qualifications of the installer, and recommend evaluation of the system by an EPA approved mitigator.
What's Wrong With This Picture: Radon Vent
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately that is not the case. The radon mitigation protocols published by the EPA were written after much research, testing, and tweaking. The protocol states that the discharge point of a radon mitigation vent pipe must be 12 inches above the roof line and must be 10 feet from any potential opening less than 2 feet below the discharge point. If 1-2 inch dissipation was true, the protocol would have turned out quite different. Also, if you consider pressure differences between the inside and outside of a home, the majority of the home is below the neutral pressure plane, so air is being sucked into the home from the soil and from the sides. This is especially true during the heating season when you have cold air outside and warmer air inside. For more information, please visit EPA's radon publication page at: www.epa.gov/radon/pubs
Exhaust Pipe
I thought the Radon gas rapidly dispates within 1-2 inches from discharge. Please tell me more.