skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Radon mitigation system

8 years ago

Didn't know which forum this would fit into. Vent for Radon Mitigation comes up through basement floor from crawl space and continues up to roof. There is electrical wiring on side of vent that goes below the floor. Does anyone know what this system consists of? Why would wiring go down into crawl space? No sound of it running and I don't want to go on a wild goose chase

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

kudzu9
8 years ago
Radon mitigation systems use fans. It could be a very quiet one, or has failed and should be replaced.
0
Ron Natalie
8 years ago
As Kudzu points out it's a fan. Typically looks like a wider spot in the tube. More modern installations usually have a pressure gauge (little water manometer) prominently placed to let you know it is operating.
0
Related Discussions
Radon Mitigation System?
Q
Comments (9)
We lived in the Denver area 1989-1991, we had the home we were purchasing tested for the presence of radon as was the norm at the time. The house tested positive and the seller had to put in a radon mitigation system. They sealed the basement slab, put in a fan in the crawl space and installed some type of plastic barrier in the crawl space. When radon mitigation is done it means the home tested positive for radon, has since been treated and then has tested within acceptable levels for radon after the mitigation is complete. If the radon levels in the home you are looking at have been reduced to acceptable levels, then you and your family should be safe. I would still insist on a radon test before I purchased the home to ensure that the levels are acceptable.
...See More
Radon mitigation system
Q
Comments (18)
R408.3 Unvented crawl space. Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where: 1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall or insulation; and 2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space: 2.1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of crawlspace floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with Section N1103.2.1 of this code; 2.2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with Section N1102.2 of this code; 2.3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor space is used as a plenum. http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_4_sec008.htm
...See More
Radon vapor barrier
Q
Comments (5)
First, has testing been done and a radon problem verified? Testing is rather involved, since the better tests require at least three samples and the areas being tested have to remain undisturbed for a day or so.Radon testing There are basically two types of radon mitigation systems, active and passive. Passive systems almost need to be installed during initial construction. Active systems have a fan which produces a pressure differential under the slab compared to above the slab. That draws the gas into the fan plumbing and it is exhausted outside the house. "In many cases, simple systems using underground pipes and an exhaust fan may be used to reduce radon. Such systems are called "sub-slab depressurization," and do not require major changes to your home. These systems remove radon gas from below the concrete floor and the foundation before it can enter the home." From this article Installing the mitigation system($600-$2,000) requires sealing all slab intrusion areas and cracks if a positive test indicates a radon problem.
...See More
Need advice: concerns with Radon
Q
Comments (5)
Radon levels fluctuate. So the 1.5 reading you got was the level reading right that minute (which is still very good by the way). We have had a radon mitigation system in our basement since 2004. We bought a meter that not only measures the reading at that minute, but also did a 30 day average. We recently finished our basement and had the mitigation company come out again and performed their old readings since the meter we bought was several years old. Turns out their readings were the same as what our meter showed. But in order to have more peace of mind, we had a new meter installed that has an app where we can look at an hour by hour reading if we so choose. It also does monthly averages. I will say since our basement has been finished, out readings are consistently right around 1, where before finishing they were around 1.5 to 2. The level before our mitigation system was installed was I believe 6. Edit to add that it also depends on what part of the country you live in. Colorado, for instance, has very high radon levels and you will likely never test below 1 no matter how good your system is.
...See More
Vith
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I thought this reminded me of something...

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3277811/radon-mitigation-detector?n=2

Yes, the radon fan requires electricity. Unless you have one that runs on hamster power and some very active hamsters.

You really should move the fan to the attic, and install a manometer in a visible area before the fan so you know it is working. This is normally a PVC pipe, and not all that difficult to manipulate. If you know how to move electrical, it isnt all that hard to put an outlet box up there for the fan either, otherwise you could call someone to come do it.

It will be worth knowing how to deal with the radon fan anyhow, as they can fail like any motor driven device and usually all it requires loosening a couple fernco boots and hooking up the new fan.
0
norcam50
Original Author
8 years ago
Really appreciate the response. In looking at diagrams of a radon mitigation system online in addition to explanations of the system it always seemed that the fan was in the attic or garage. That is why I asked why I would have electrical wiring running down to my crawl space. Although I haven't looked to see where the fan is on my system it was previously running non stop. Lately it hasn't been doing that and being ignorant of these systems I wasn't sure what the norm was. I'm capable of doing the work that is involved in moving the fan up to the attic, along with the electrical wiring. Again, thanks!
0
Ron Natalie
8 years ago
It should run non-stop.

Are you sure you're looking at the wiring for the radon mitigation system and not possibly a sump pump. They both run into holes in the slab typically. One pumps air, the other water. The sump pumps usually have to be wet to operate (won't pump air) so they're down in a pit in the slab.
0
norcam50
Original Author
8 years ago
If it should run non-stop then the fan needs to be replaced. Thanks for that bit of information. Sump pump is on the opposite end of basement. I guess I'll have to cut a section of floor out to get at it. Thanks!
0

Related Stories

HEALTHY HOME What's the Deal With Radon?

By Laura Gaskill

Get the facts on testing for this cancer-causing gas — and how to make your home safe if it shows up

ARCHITECTURE 15 Smart Design Choices for Cold Climates

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your home safe and comfortable in winter by choosing the right home features and systems

HEALTHY HOME A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers

By Laura Gaskill

Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for

DECORATING GUIDES How to Create Quiet in Your Open Floor Plan

By Jennifer Christgau-Aquino

When the noise level rises, these architectural details and design tricks will help soften the racket

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Keep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too

Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany

REMODELING GUIDES Living Roofs Crown Green Design

By Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Living roofs save energy, improve air, water, curb appeal — and the view from above doesn't hurt either

HEALTHY HOME What to Know About Controlling Dust During Remodeling

By Mitchell Parker

You can't eliminate dust during construction, but there are ways to contain and remove as much of it as possible

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Patio Pavers Rock Out

By FormLA Landscaping

Pair stone or gravel with bigger pavers for a patio design that guests will pay tribute to

REMODELING GUIDES 11 Ways to Hurricane-Proof Your House

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

From smaller tasks you can do right now to bigger renovation projects, these strategies can help keep you high and dry at home

GARDENING GUIDES The Art of Green Mulch

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You can design a natural garden that doesn’t rely on covering your soil with wood and bark mulch

Sponsored

More Discussions

How to place outlets within 24" of a sink (with dishwashers)

27

Does NEC require a DUPLEX receptacle in kitchen?

2

Where to place outlets in primary bathroom?

11

Question about an outdoor flood light socket

7

Mystery circuit breaker keeps tripping

3