Radon Pipe Guidelines

The radon pipe that vents radon gas from a building is an important component of any radon system. A radon system must be completely sealed so that this cancer causing gas isn't forced back into the home. Henceforth typical air venting ducts are not used. The most commonly used material is PVC pipe. Which is commonly used for drain and vent pipe for plumbing. Although the specifications allow for schedule 20 PVC, I would strongly recommend using schedule 40 which is much stronger and less apt to crack or break open. When radon is suctioned from below the home concentrations can easily reach into the hundreds of pCi/L or even thousands. Simple stated you don't want this pipe to get a hole in it.

Another reason for using plastic pipe is because there will be a fair amount of condensation created. So the radon pipe will have to be sloped to drain the water back into the soil. If improper slope isn't maintained a build up of water in the vent will create unwanted noise and could reduce or even stop the air flow.

I recently repaired a do-it-yourself system that was in stalled with galvanized 6" round duct. Before the homeowner project started the level was 14pCi/L and afterwards the level had climbed to 41pCi/L!

Another important aspect of the radon pipe installation is that the pipe must vent above the roof of the building. Also the pipe must be at least 10 feet from any windows or skylights that can be opened, this can be disregarded if the pipe is 2' above the opening. A common bad practice is to install a pipe out the side of the house like you would vent a furnace or a dryer vent. This would allow the possibility of the radon reentering through the sill plate or open windows.

A properly installed system must have the fan installed outside of the living space. A garage, attic or the side of the home would be appropriate for fan placement.

Radon Pipe Guidelines

Use schedule 20 or preferable sch 40 DWV 3" pipe is the minimum, if your not sure use 4" keep the vent supported every 6' vertically & 10' horizontally a proper slope must be maintained for condensate drain back fire barriers must be used where pipe penetrates a firewall fan must be place outside of the living space pipe must vent above the roof and be at least 10' from the ground vent pipe must be 10' from openings unless 2' above an opening use a screen or similar cover to keep debris out of the fan These are just some basic guidelines for running a radon vent pipe. If you have questions please contact me...

If you are considering a do-it-yourself radon installation please review this information. Learn more...

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