Radon System Inspection in Eau Claire, WI
An existing radon mitigation system that's stopped pulling — manometer leveled out, no fan noise, basement starting to feel stuffy — is almost always one of three things: a failed fan, a cracked or disconnected pipe, or a discharge blockage. An inspection covers all three, plus code compliance on the discharge location.
What gets checked
- Fan operation (current draw, rated CFM at the installed static pressure)
- Manometer reading vs. baseline
- Suction-point seal (slab core, sump cover, plumbing penetrations)
- Pipe routing (cracks, condensation traps, sagging horizontal runs)
- Discharge location (12" above eaves, 10' from windows/intakes per ASTM E2121)
- Electrical connection (dedicated circuit, switch labeled per code)
- System label and operating manual on file
Common repairs
Fan replacement is the most frequent job. Most fans on homes installed in the early 2010s are reaching end-of-life now. Replacement is straightforward when the existing pipe and discharge are sound — typically 30–60 minutes. Pipe repair is usually needed when an attic-routed system has had a freeze cycle and a coupler has split, or when an unconditioned attic stack has accumulated condensation and sagged. Discharge relocation is the bigger job — usually triggered by a renovation that put a window within the 10' code clearance.
Re-testing after repair
Any time a fan is replaced or pipe routing changes, a short-term retest confirms the home is back below 4.0 pCi/L. The retest is included on most repair jobs. See post-mitigation retest for protocol details.
Need a radon test or mitigation system in the Chippewa Valley?
Same-week appointments are typical. Real-estate-deadline tests can usually be slotted in 24–48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long do mitigation fans last?
Continuously-running radon fans typically last 8–12 years before bearings wear out. Some make it past 15. The first sign of failure is usually noise (rattling, squealing) or a manometer that's leveled out when the fan should be running.
What does the manometer tell me?
The manometer is a U-shaped clear tube partially filled with colored fluid. When the fan is pulling, the fluid sits offset — one side higher than the other. When fluid is level on both sides, the fan is off, has failed, or the pipe is blocked. It's the simplest health check on the system.
Can the discharge stack be moved?
Yes, but it's a bigger job than a fan swap. Discharge relocation usually involves a new exterior chase, possibly new flashing where the stack goes through the roof, and re-balancing the fan. Sometimes a relocation is required for code reasons (too close to a window, neighbor's HVAC intake, etc.).
Should the system run all winter?
Yes — and through the rest of the year too. Mitigation fans are designed for continuous duty. Turning the fan off in mild months allows soil gas to build back up in the basement, sometimes higher than the original test.
Other radon services
New install instead of repair? See radon mitigation and the technique behind it, sub-slab depressurization. For the underlying test, see radon testing.