What Radon System Maintenance is Required?
Is your radon mitigation system making a strange noise? Perhaps the gauge is reading a bit higher than the professional installer told you it should be reading? These factors point to one outcome, the need for radon mitigation system maintenance.
Radon mitigation systems are an essential investment for homeowners concerned about elevated radon gas levels in their homes. After installation, ensuring your radon system continues to operate effectively is crucial to maintaining the safety and health of everyone in your household.
While radon mitigation systems are designed to be durable and long-lasting, regular radon system maintenance is key to keeping them functioning properly over time.
Why Radon System Maintenance is Important
A properly maintained radon mitigation system helps reduce radon levels effectively, safeguarding your home from the dangers of this harmful gas. Radon, an odorless and colorless radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
As radon seeps into your home from the soil beneath, having a working radon system is critical for mitigating radon levels to safe limits. Regular maintenance not only ensures your system’s efficiency but also provides peace of mind that your home remains a healthy and safe environment.
Key Components of Radon System Maintenance
Maintaining a radon mitigation system involves checking several components to ensure everything works as it should. Here are the key aspects of a radon system that require regular attention:
- Radon Fan Maintenance and Replacement: The radon fan is the powerhouse of your mitigation system, responsible for pulling radon gas from beneath your home and venting it safely outside. These fans typically last between five to ten years, but they can wear out over time. It’s crucial to schedule radon fan maintenance to check for any signs of wear and tear. If your fan begins to fail, radon levels can rise, compromising your safety. Regular checks will determine when a radon fan replacement is needed to keep your system running smoothly.
- System Piping and SealsThe piping system plays a vital role in carrying radon gas from the foundation to the exterior of your home. Over time, pipes and seals can develop cracks, causing leaks that reduce the efficiency of your mitigation system. Periodically inspecting the piping and ensuring all seals are intact helps maintain the integrity of your radon system, ensuring it continues to reduce radon levels effectively.
- Pressure Gauge Monitoring: The pressure gauge on your radon mitigation system is a simple yet crucial tool that monitors system function. It allows you to quickly determine whether the system is working by showing changes in airflow. Regularly check this gauge—if you notice any abnormal readings, it’s a signal to call a certified radon system professional for a detailed inspection.
- Sump Pump Maintenance (if applicable): Homes with a radon mitigation system connected to a sump pump will require additional maintenance. The sump pump works to remove excess water, but it can also serve as a pathway for radon gas. It’s important to ensure your sump pump functions efficiently and its seals remain tight to prevent radon from entering your home.
How Often Should You Schedule Radon System Maintenance?
Ideally, a radon system should be inspected annually by a professional. This yearly maintenance ensures that any components showing signs of failure are repaired or replaced promptly, keeping the system working at optimal efficiency.
Between these professional inspections, homeowners should monitor their system’s pressure gauge and listen for unusual noises from the radon fan, which could indicate problems.
Signs Your Radon Mitigation System Needs Repair
Recognizing when your system requires radon system repair is important to prevent dangerous radon levels in your home. Some common signs that indicate a problem include:
- Increased Radon Levels: If you’ve performed a radon test and levels have risen above the EPA’s recommended safe radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L, it’s time to have your system inspected.
- Noisy Radon Fan: A properly working radon fan should be relatively quiet. If you hear unusual or loud noises, the fan is likely starting to fail.
- Pressure Gauge Abnormalities: Regularly check your pressure gauge. If the readings are outside the normal range or fluctuate significantly, contact a professional for a detailed inspection.
Benefits of Professional Radon System Maintenance
While there are some routine checks homeowners can perform themselves, professional radon system maintenance offers a thorough examination of every component.
Certified radon system professionals have the tools and expertise to identify small issues before they become major problems. This not only prolongs the life of your radon mitigation system but also ensures the health and safety of your family.
Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your Radon Mitigation System
Ensuring your radon mitigation system is well-maintained is key to keeping your home safe from dangerous radon gas. Regular radon system maintenance, including radon fan maintenance and testing, helps maintain the system’s efficiency in reducing radon levels.
By scheduling annual inspections with certified radon system professionals, you can ensure your system continues to provide reliable protection.
Contact Durant Radon Solutions for Radon Mitigation System Repair and Maintenance in Central New York
For expert radon system maintenance and repairs, Durant Radon Solutions offers reliable, trustworthy, and efficient services. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we ensure your radon mitigation system continues to work at its best.
Get a fast quote today and keep your home safe from harmful radon gas.