How To Read Your Radon Mitigation System’s Manometer

How To Read Your Radon Mitigation System’s Manometer

You scheduled a Radon Test, which showed that your new dream home has high levels of radon. Thankfully, you and your realtor were able to negotiate that the sellers install a radon mitigation system; but how can you test that your new mitigation system is even operating?

 Radon is a dangerous, cancer-causing, odorless, naturally occurring gas that enters your home through the ground beneath and around it. A properly operating radon mitigation system will guide these gasses up and out of your home.  This system is designed to prevent a buildup or concentration of Radon in your home. 

Your radon mitigation’s manometer readout should be between 0.5in-1.75in on the Manometer (U shaped- looks like a thermometer).  This is NOT the level of Radon in your home.  It is simply the amount of vacuum your mitigation system is generating.  When your Radon system is shut or turned off, the fluid should rest at zero (parallel in the U shaped Manometer). If the fluid does not rest evenly at zero when not operating, or if it is at zero when the unit is operating, then your system needs service. When your manometer’s fluid levels are at different levels, this means that your radon mitigation system is operating and is attempting to guide the dangerous gasses up and out of your home.  The only way to know what the current level of Radon is in your home, is to have it professionally tested.