WHAT IS RADON
&
How is your Sump Pump negatively impacting your health?

What is Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It's invisible, odorless, and tasteless, but it can build up indoors, especially in basements or areas with poor ventilation. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers.

In Manitoba, radon levels vary widely, and about 19% of homes exceed the Canadian safety guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). Radon can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or even through well water. Testing is the only way to know if your home has high radon levels.

Examples of radon exposure:

  1. Homes with poor ventilation: Radon can accumulate in tightly sealed or well-insulated homes, especially in areas with high uranium content in the soil.

  2. Basements: Since radon comes from the ground, basements often have higher concentrations.

  3. Schools and workplaces: Radon exposure isn't limited to homes; it can also build up in other buildings with inadequate ventilation.

  4. Geological hotspots: Areas with granite, limestone, or shale bedrock tend to have higher radon levels.

Testing for radon is simple. You can use a DIY test kit available at hardware stores or hire a professional to measure radon levels. If your home has high radon levels, solutions like improving ventilation, sealing foundation cracks, or installing a radon mitigation system can help reduce exposure.

RadonManitoba@gmail.com | Or call 204 470 9902

*All information is provided based on the Radon Reduction Guide for Canadians issued by the Government of Canada.

Why connecting radon mitigations sytem to SumpPump is a bad idea

Connecting a radon mitigation system directly to a sump pump is generally considered a bad idea because it can inadvertently draw more radon gas into your home, especially if the sump pump isn't properly sealed, creating a negative pressure that pulls radon from the soil through cracks and gaps in your foundation, essentially acting as a vacuum for radon gas instead of removing it. 

Key points to understand why this is problematic:

Negative pressure:
When a sump pump operates, it can create a negative pressure around the sump pit, which can pull radon gas from the surrounding soil into the house through any available pathways. 

Interference:
Both systems operate by displacing air or water and have similar operational concepts. Each system, while operating, will affect the efficiency of the other, reducing its effectiveness. When the Radon system is operating in a sump pump environment (depending on the suction power), it can negatively affect the check valve of the sump pump unit and cause premature failure or produce whistling or clapping sounds while in operation.

Improper sealing:
Even if a sump pump is designed to handle radon, any small gaps or leaks around the connection point can allow radon to enter the house. 

Radon mitigation system design:
A properly designed radon mitigation system should have a dedicated vent pipe that is routed directly outside to ensure the radon gas is effectively removed from the house, not channeled towards the sump pump

Dedicated radon mitigation system:
Consult a qualified radon mitigation professional to install a separate system with a dedicated vent pipe that is properly sealed and directed outside. 

Important note:

In RADON MANITOBA we do not install a mitigation system in the Sump Pump well or incorporate 2 systems in one.
However, we can modify the already installed system and reroute it properly.