What Is Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation is the process of reducing elevated radon levels inside a home or building. The most effective and widely used method in Canada is active sub-slab depressurization (ASD) — also called soil suction or sub-slab ventilation. A properly installed ASD system typically reduces indoor radon levels by 80–99%.
How Sub-Slab Depressurization Works
The principle is simple: instead of letting radon seep upward from the soil into your home, you intercept it and vent it safely outside.
- A suction point is created beneath the concrete slab — either through an existing sump pit or a core-drilled hole.
- PVC piping connects the suction point to a radon fan installed in the building.
- The fan runs continuously, drawing radon-laden soil gas from beneath the slab and exhausting it above the roofline or to an exterior location away from windows and HVAC intakes.
- Negative pressure is maintained beneath the slab at all times, preventing radon from rising into living spaces.
What a Complete Mitigation System Requires
1. Mitigation Fan
The fan is the core of the system. Selection depends on sub-slab soil conditions, pipe run length, and system complexity. RadonAway Pro Series fans are the industry standard in North America — ETL listed, CSA certified, and backed by a 5-year warranty.
Shop all mitigation fans → | Fan selection guide →
2. PVC Vent Piping
Standard 4" Schedule 40 PVC pipe routes from the suction point up through the building and discharges outside, typically above the roofline. All joints should be sealed with PVC cement for a radon-tight connection.
TrimTight Low-Odour PVC Cement — $48.22 →
3. Sump Cover (If Applicable)
Homes with an open sump pit need a radon-tight sump dome to integrate the pit into the depressurization system. Without one, the sump pit acts as an uncontrolled radon entry point that undermines the system.
4. System Monitoring (Manometer)
A U-tube manometer installed on the vent pipe provides a simple visual check that the fan is creating negative pressure. Required by AARST standards and strongly recommended for every installation.
RadonAway Easy Read Manometer — $32.99 →
5. Power Cord
RadonAway fans are sold without a power cord. You'll need a compatible cord unless the fan will be hardwired by a licensed electrician.
RadonAway 8' Power Cord — $18.45 →
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Many Canadian homeowners successfully install their own sub-slab depressurization systems. The work is physically manageable but requires drilling through concrete, cutting and gluing PVC pipe, and basic electrical connection.
General DIY steps:
- Identify or create a suction point (sump pit or core-drilled hole in the slab)
- Route 4" PVC piping from the suction point to the fan location
- Install the fan inline and connect to exterior discharge piping
- Seal the suction point airtight and caulk visible foundation cracks
- Install a manometer and verify system suction
- Re-test radon levels 30–90 days after installation
If you're not comfortable with the work, a certified radon mitigator can complete the job. Either way, Radon Depot has everything you need.
After Mitigation: Verification
Re-test your home 30–90 days after installation to confirm levels have dropped below 200 Bq/m³. A digital monitor makes ongoing verification and seasonal monitoring easy.
Shop monitors for post-mitigation verification →
How Long Does It Take?
Most residential installations are completed in 4–8 hours. DIY installs may take a full day depending on experience and building complexity.
