Radon fan repair and system checks
A radon system only works while the fan runs. Here's what to watch for and when to call.
A radon fan runs every hour of every day, so eventually it wears out. Pipes also crack, joints work loose, and outdoor runs take a beating from Grand Forks winters. A quick look at the gauge now and then, and a retest every couple of years, keeps a system honest.
What are the warning signs?
- The liquid in the U-tube manometer is level on both sides, which means no suction
- The fan is silent, or it rattles, hums loudly or shakes the pipe
- A system alarm is going off
- Pipe is cracked, disconnected or iced over at the discharge
- A retest shows radon back near or over 4 pCi/L
- You finished the basement, added on or replaced the sump since the system went in
How often should I retest?
The EPA says it's a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon stays low, and it's smart to retest after any major renovation too. A short-term kit is enough for a routine check. MDH also requires Minnesota installers to give owners a long-term operation, maintenance and monitoring plan, so if you're in East Grand Forks or Crookston, look for that paperwork; it should tell you what to watch.
Why does ice matter?
Soil gas is warm and damp. On a subzero night, moisture in an outdoor pipe can freeze, and a discharge that frosts over can choke the system. Exterior fans also sit out in wind, sleet and spring thaw. If your fan is outdoors, check it after a hard cold snap or a big storm.
What can be fixed or upgraded?
- Replacing a failed fan with the right model for the pipe and suction needed
- Adding an alarm so you know right away if the fan quits
- Adding a suction point after a basement finish or addition
- Rerouting an exterior pipe that freezes, or moving a fan that's too loud
- Activating a passive radon pipe with a fan when testing shows the home is still high
Who should do the work?
In Minnesota, modifying or installing a mitigation system in a building you don't own is MDH-licensed work. In North Dakota, ask for NRPP certification. Either way, test after the repair.
Pricing comes from the radon company once it knows your foundation and has usually seen the house in person. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone is a rough starting point, not a bid.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How do I read the manometer on my radon pipe?
It's the U-shaped tube with colored liquid. When the fan is pulling, the two sides sit at different heights. If they're level, the fan may have stopped.
Can a passive radon pipe be turned into an active system?
Usually. Many newer homes, especially in Minnesota, have a passive vent pipe. If a test is still high, a fan can often be added in the attic.
Related services
More background: Red River Valley radon guide.
Radon kit came back over 4?
Call and a local radon mitigation company will look at your house and quote a system.