Let’s make this simple. If you have a passive radon system installed in your home and you don’t have a fan and it doesn’t come out of the roof or outside of your home, you have PVC pipe. That is all. It has white PVC pipe that the contractor decided to install to help with the radon mitigation process. The problem is that it does nothing. Apart from the definition of “Passive” according to Webster’s dictionary is, “Of or being an inactive”.

Here’s some more good news for you, as you think you’re ahead of the game when it comes to radon mitigation, while the US EPA and the state of Iowa require anyone who installs an active radon mitigation is properly trained, certified, and state licensed, there are no training or certification requirements for the contractor installing a passive system.

Sometimes these passive radon systems are installed in such a way that they become unusable or ineffective. The only way to know is to cut or disconnect the PVC pipe where it goes through the concrete to investigate what’s underneath. When PVC pipe is installed, it is supposed to go through the base slab or concrete and into the dirt, gravel, or sand below. When professional, licensed radon mitigaters install an active radon mitigation system, it is typical for them to dig through the sub-slab and then excavate or remove up to 10 gallons of dirt, gravel, or sand to adequately create a good suction point. They are creating a cavity to communicate with the rest of the earth, gravel or sand below the concrete.

So what do you need to turn your PVC pipe into a radon mitigation system? These are some general guidelines and remember, depending on your state, the installation must be done by a licensed radon mitigation specialist. Most passive systems are built as part of the house, so they typically run through the house inside walls, through closets, or along the corners of a room. PVC pipe can sometimes be completely exposed. PVC pipe must terminate through the roof and have adequate flashing and sealing to avoid creating leaks. Some contractors will install the passive radon system up to the attic, but not through the roof. The purpose is to remove radon gases from the house, so it is essential to go through the roof.

One of the most essential items needed to activate your passive radon system is the electric fan. Supplying electricity to the attic to connect the fan is rarely done as part of a passive radon system. The size of the fan can vary depending on the type of material that is under the concrete. Once connected to the PVC pipe, it will now suck or expel the radon gas from below the foundation through the vent pipe and away from your home.

If you’re a visual person, imagine PVC pipe as a giant straw running through your house to the gravel below the foundation. Gravel stones are like ice cubes in a drink. The fan sucks in harmful radon gas from between these stones like liquid from a drink. Now your passive radon system is active and it really sucks, but in a good way.

If you’re concerned about radon gas and aren’t sure if you should install a radon mitigation system, the first thing you should do, of course, is test your home. Home radon test kits can be purchased at most hardware stores or big box home improvement stores like Lowes. Your local radon mitigation companies will also have some test kits for you to purchase.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a recommended action level of 4.0 picoCuries per liter of air. To put that in perspective, 4.0 pCi/L is equal to half a pack of cigarettes a day coming into the house. Do you agree with that? Are your children and pets okay with that? Getting your radon levels as close to zero as possible should be the ultimate goal when trying to protect your family. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

After you get your radon test results and if they are high, it’s time to mitigate them. If you have a passive radon system installed, check the article again and see what you will need to get the system working. Radon silences before it silences you.