Imagine your search for a home ends. You have found a home that checks all boxes. It is in a great location, the size is appropriate, and you can own it for a fair price. But your inspection report tells you that the property has a radon mitigation system. It simply means that the house has a radon problem.
Now, the question arises whether you still need radon testing in the presence of a mitigation system. Well, yes. If there has been a radon problem in the house, it is better to have regular testing.
Why Radon is a Serious Health Concern
Radon seeps into homes from soil, rock, and groundwater. You can’t see or smell it. The only way to know if this gas is present in your home is radon testing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Texas generally reports lower radon levels compared to northern states, but the EPA still recommends testing every home. This is because every 1 in 15 homes across the U.S. has elevated radon levels (at or above four picocuries per liter, or pCi/L). Even if the radon levels are higher in your neighbourhood, you need to be cautious and get radon testing to know when it’s time to take essential precautions.
How Radon Mitigation Systems Work
A radon mitigation system is designed to reduce indoor radon concentrations to safer levels.
The most common system is sub-slab depressurization, in which a pipe is inserted through the foundation into the soil below. A fan continuously draws radon gas out from beneath the home, and the radon gas is vented above the roofline to keep everyone safe.
When correctly installed, a radon mitigation system can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. This effectiveness depends on proper installation and ongoing maintenance.
How Long Does Radon Remediation Take
If testing shows higher radon levels in a home, you may need adjustments to the installed system or complete remediation. The timeline for the radon mitigation system is as follows:
- Installation time: a typical mitigation system takes 4 to 8 hours to install in a single-family home.
- Immediate effectiveness: once running, radon levels usually drop within 24 to 48 hours.
- Follow-up testing: post-mitigation testing is recommended within 30 days to confirm success.
The installation process is likely to be completed in less than a day, and results can also be verified shortly after.
Do You Still Need Radon Testing if a System Exists
Once radon has been detected at your place, you need regular radon testing even after installation of a mitigation system. Here are the reasons to do so:
1. System Can Fail Over Time
There are chances of fans burning out, cracks in the pipes, and degradation of seals. Ignoring a radon test, you’d never know if the mitigation system is working properly.
2. All Installations Aren’t Equal
A radon mitigation system works better only when it is installed correctly. Some are DIY jobs or a system that doesn’t fulfill installation requirements by the EPA or state guidelines. Such mitigation systems must be evaluated.
3. Soil Conditions Can Change
Nearby constructions, shifts in soil, or seasonal changes can affect the movement of radon under a home. No one can know the current radon levels without a professional radon test.
4. Testing Confirms Everything’s Alright
Especially when you are buying a home that already has a radon mitigation system installed, testing will help you to know if the system is doing its job to protect your family’s health.
Should I Buy a Home with a Radon Mitigation System
Yes, you can buy a home that already has a radon mitigation system. For the safety of people living in the house, you should get radon testing. An installed radon mitigation system means the previous owner has already invested in solving the issue.
You now have a safeguard that many homes don’t have. With a running system, radon levels are likely to remain low. All you need to do is get a test to verify that the installation of the system is according to the guidelines, and it is working fine.
Final Thoughts
So, it is clear that you can buy a home that has a radon mitigation system installed. The mitigation system is a good tool to reduce radon levels in a building. While buying such a home, make sure that the system is installed correctly and working adequately.
If the system is installed, radon testing will let you know about its efficiency and whether you need to do some upgrades. If the system is not installed, then it should be your priority to check radon levels for a safe living environment. Get a radon test from TexInspec and take essential steps for your well-being.