Radon gas removal from the house generally involves a radon mitigation system. After there is a radon detection in your house or locality, make sure you install a mitigation system. Why? Do not wait to see the negative impacts of this gas; start taking precautions before. System installation is easy when you call a professional service provider. The whole radon mitigation system takes hardly 3 – 5 hours to install. Some huge houses with huge basements may take longer.
But after the installation is over, how do you know if the system is working? If it is not working, what should you do? When a radon mitigation system stops working, the radon levels can rise within hours. Prolonged exposure to this deadly radioactive gas can be hazardous to your health. So, in this article, we will find out more about what to do if your radon mitigation does not work.
What are the consequences if the radon mitigation system does not work?
WHO reports say that 3% to 14% of all lung cancers are due to radon. And radon is a gas, so it does not need weeks or months to spread in your house. It spreads across the house within minutes or a few hours. If the pressure is low inside your house, the radon levels rise faster. If there is no proper ventilation, then the health risks are even higher.
If you live in a radon-infected zone, and your mitigation system is not working, call for help. You can not take this lightly and fix it at a later time. Infected zone people must get the system up and running as soon as possible. Do this to avoid all health issues and keep your family safe.
Did you turn off the fan, or it stopped working?
What are the various reasons why a radon mitigation system can stop working? There are a few reasons why. Check them out below.
- Did you think the radon mitigation fan is overworking and might break down and turn it off? You can not do that. The fan needs to keep working 24*7. If the fan breaks down, in any case, you can replace it but never turn it off. People should also keep the fun on even when they are not home.
- Extreme moisture under the radon mitigation system can cause the system to break. Too much moisture absorption shortens the lifespan.
- Did your system stop working due to unexplained reasons? You need to call your service provider. But try to notice if it made any loud noises before shutting down. This will help detect the focal point of the problem.
How will you know if the system is not working?
According to EPA guidelines, every radon mitigation system must come with a U-manometer. This is to help all residents understand if their system is working. When there is a U shape on the meter, it means the fan is not working. When there is a J shape on the meter, it indicates that the fan is working fine.
You need to call your service provider when you see a U shape on the manometer. This means that the pressure is low and the fan is not working. This will immediately make the radon levels rise. You will also know your radon mitigation system is not working if you can not hear the fan. It does not have a very loud noise, but it is audible. This is another indicator that your system may be collapsing.
You should get your house retested for radon
Once your system stops working for any reason, you should get your house retested. Even if you fix the system, the radon levels may have risen substantially. This retest will help you identify how bad the current conditions are. Your service provider can also provide you with suggestions to better the conditions.
How to ensure that the radon system works properly?
To ensure your radon mitigation system works properly, check the manometer. You must take updates at periodic intervals. You must also keep the fan running at a low speed to ensure a better lifespan. To improve the conditions, you can try to make the zone moisture-free.
Call a radon mitigation service provider to check your system
If your system breaks, a DIY fix will not help solve the crisis. You need to call professional radon mitigation consultants for the best results. The Atlantic Radon Mitigation team will help you test for radon in your home quickly.
