Trusted Henderson Radon Mitigation

Not necessarily. While fan failure is a common cause of lost suction, there are several other possibilities that should be investigated before assuming the fan needs replacement. A disconnected or cracked pipe joint can allow air to leak in and equalize pressure, giving the appearance of fan failure even when the motor is running. A clogged suction pit beneath the slab, a newly opened sump pit, or a large foundation crack can also reduce system pressure significantly.

Radon fans are most commonly installed in the garage, attic, crawl space, or on the exterior wall of the home along the route of the exhaust pipe. The ideal location is above the living space and below the point where the pipe exits the home, so that any potential fan leakage exhausts outside rather than indoors. Garage and attic installations are popular because they protect the fan from the elements while keeping it accessible for maintenance. Exterior installations are also acceptable and are sometimes preferred because they eliminate any risk of indoor radon leakage from the fan housing.

A fan that is running but failing to reduce radon levels suggests the system is not generating adequate negative pressure beneath the foundation, which can have several causes. The fan may have lost suction capacity due to motor wear, or it may be undersized for your specific soil conditions and foundation design. New foundation cracks, open sump pits, or changes to the home's structure can also create pathways for radon to bypass the system entirely. A certified contractor should perform a pressure diagnostic and sub-slab evaluation to identify the specific cause before recommending a solution.