What to Expect After Radon Mitigation:
The RadonCare van has just pulled away from your residence, you’ve had a great chat with our technician and you have a new mitigation system installed, quietly protecting your family from elevated radon levels – but wait! You were so excited about the system you forgot what the technician told you – what do you expect now? How long until you start the radon test? Do you need to do anything? Not to worry, we’ve created an easy guide to explain what to expect, when to test, and how to keep your system running at its best.
Post-Mitigation Testing: Confirming System Performance
Once your radon mitigation system is installed, your home should begin to experience a noticeable drop in radon levels within the first 24–48 hours. How can you ensure the system is functioning as intended? That’s where post-mitigation testing comes in – and it’s a vital step in verifying performance and maintaining long-term peace of mind.
We recommend beginning with a short-term test about 7 days after your system is activated. You can use a digital radon monitor or a short-term alpha track test kit (like the Rapidos*) – both of which are compatible with our systems. These devices should be placed in the lowest regularly occupied level of your home, away from kitchens, bathrooms, or mechanical rooms. Once the test period is complete (10–90 days for alpha track, or at least 7 days for digital monitors), these results will confirm your system operation.
Testing Options:
Digital Radon Monitor: Easy-to-read, continuous tracking
Rapidos Alpha Track Test: A short-term lab-analyzed option (10–90 days)
Placement Tip: Always place monitors in the lowest regularly occupied level of your home, away from kitchens, bathrooms, or mechanical rooms.
Rapidos Tests: Originally developed for long-term testing, Rapidos devices adapted for short-term use can sometimes report elevated readings when radon levels are already low. This is due to a larger margin of error at low concentrations. While still useful, results should be considered part of the bigger picture. If your levels seem unexpectedly high, we’re happy to help review your results or suggest a follow-up test.
Post Mitigation Long-Term Testing
Health Canada recommends a long-term test (91+ days) to obtain an accurate picture of your radon levels. To reflect changing seasonal and home conditions you can also test for 6 – 12 months, or continually monitor with a digital monitor keeping an eye on long term average trends.
Pro Tip: RadonCare offers discounted digital monitors for our mitigation clients. Ask your technician if you’d like to upgrade.
Monitor the U-Tube Manometer
A manometer is a simple yet essential component of most radon mitigation systems. The U-shaped tube on the front of your monitor is a pressure gauge, letting you know the system is functioning correctly.
How to Check: Look at the U-tube manometer periodically. The liquid inside should display uneven columns and be close to the level documented on your pipe sticker (measured in WC or Water Column). If the liquid levels are even, it’s a red flag that the system may not be working.
What to Do: If the columns differ drastically from the levels shown on your pipe sticker, or, are completely even, contact RadonCare for assistance. A significant difference might indicate an adjustment is required.
Retest Radon Levels Every 3-5 Years
Even after mitigation, radon levels can fluctuate over time due to:
- Foundation changes
- Soil conditions
- Renovations (e.g., HRV installs, new windows, or insulation)
- Neighbourhood construction
That’s why Health Canada recommends retesting every 3 to 5 years to ensure your system is still working effectively.
Bi-Annual Venting Check
Your mitigation system vents radon gas through an exterior discharge point. This vent must remain clear of obstructions to operate safely and efficiently.
How to Check:
- Inspect the vent twice a year (fall & spring)
- Look for debris, snow, ice, or plant growth
The critter guard on your system is pressure-fit for easy removal and cleaning.
Warranty Coverage: What You Should Know
Most RadonCare systems are warrantied to maintain radon levels below 75 Bq/m³. In homes with more complex construction – such as tight soil, multiple slabs, grade beams, or bi-level layouts -a more customized system may be needed. If your home falls into this category, your warranty terms and target radon levels will be clearly outlined in your proposal.
Still have questions? Our team is happy to walk you through the details of your system’s warranty.
What to Do If the System Isn’t Working
If you think something might be wrong, don’t panic. Start with these quick checks:
- Is the fan plugged in? (Check near the basement ceiling or mechanical area)
- Is the discharge pipe clear? (Look for leaves, ice, or nesting debris)
- Using a digital monitor? (Try placing it in a new area or protected outdoor space to verify)
If none of these solve the issue, email us at info@radoncare.ca with:
- A photo of your interior system
- A photo of the exterior discharge
- A short video (if possible) of the fan
These help us diagnose quickly and accurately.
How Long Does a Radon Mitigation System Last?
Your mitigation system is built to last the life of your home with minimal upkeep. The fan, however, may need replacement every 10–15 years.
Signs Your Fan May Need Replacing:
- Unusual noises
- Manometer levels drop to zero
- Radon levels start to rise
If your fan stops working, we can help replace it with a properly matched, warrantied model.
Neighbours Concerned About the Discharge?
It’s not uncommon for neighbours to be wary of radon discharges near property lines. Here’s what you can share with them:
Radon dissipates rapidly in outdoor air. Studies sponsored by Health Canada show that levels drop to background concentrations just a short distance from the discharge point.
Systems are installed to meet strict clearance and safety standards to prevent any risk to neighbouring properties. You can reference this guide from C-NRPP: Side Wall Discharge FAQ (PDF)
If they have questions, we’re happy to provide further information.
Final Thoughts: Breathe Safely
Installing your radon mitigation system was the most important step in protecting your home’s air quality. With just a bit of regular maintenance and ongoing testing, your system will continue to operate efficiently for years to come.
And remember: if you’re ever unsure, we’re only an email or phone call away!