Because radon mitigation systems can be installed multiple different ways and some installations are concealed at the interior rooms of a house, a home may have a passive or active radon mitigation system that is not visible during an examination of the interior of the home. But most active radon mitigation systems (ones that use a continuously running exhaust fan, usually located in the attic) can be recognized by a white plastic pipe running from the floor to the ceiling in the corner of a closet. It will have a sticker, like the one shown below, that features the word “RADON” and the radiation warning symbol (shown at right) prominently.

   Also, there will be a U-shaped tube filled with a colored liquid, called a manometer, on the side of the pipe at eye level. When the exhaust fan for the radon mitigation system is operating, the air suction will cause the column to rise on one side, and the tube will have inch markings on it so that a viewer can check the number of inches of differential between the equilibrium point of the twin columns in the U-shaped tube. An example is shown below of mitigation system piping installed in a bedroom closet.

    Although this is an easy way to verify that a radon mitigation system is present in the most homes, and the column differential in the manometer will indicate that the system is functioning, sometimes the piping and exhaust fan are be installed on the exterior of a home or in the attic, like in the photos below, and can be recognized there.

     It is also possible that the mitigation system is installed but not readily visible. Its location and design may need to be shown and explained by the owner of the home.

    Also, see our blog posts What is the operating cost of a radon mitigation system? and What is the average life expectancy of a radon mitigation system?

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about “RADON":

• Is a radon mitigation fan required to be on a dedicated circuit breaker/fuse in the electric panel?

• What happens to a radon test result if the windows were opened, the test device moved, or there was any other evidence of tampering during the test? 

• Where do I find the Florida laws regarding radon?

• Can I test vacant land for radon before building a house? 

• Is radon mitigation possible for a condominium?

• Do radon mitigation systems require maintenance?

• What is the average life expectancy of a radon mitigation system?  

• Do older houses have higher radon levels than new houses? 

• Can the seller tamper with a homebuyer's radon test to change the results?

• How long does it take to get the results of a radon test? 

• Will opening the windows reduce the radon level in a house?

• How was it determined that between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year are caused by radon?

• Can a homebuyer do their own radon test for a real estate transaction with a self-test kit?

• What is the danger of radon in well water?

• What are the symptoms of radon poisoning? 

• Does Florida have radon?

• Where does radon come from? 

• Do granite countertops emit radon?

• How can I tell if a house has a radon mitigation system? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home have a high radon problem?

• Do I need to test for radon when buying a condominium? 

• What does a radon mitigation contractor do to lower the radon level in a home?

• How can not testing for radon be an expensive mistake for homebuyers? 

• Will the radon test come back sky-high in a house that has been empty and closed-up for months? 

• What is radon? Should I be concerned about it?

• Should I buy a house with a high radon level? 

• What is the average radon level of indoor and outdoor air in America?

• What is the operating cost of a radon mitigation system? 

• Should I buy a house with a radon mitigation system?

• Does the buyer or seller of a home pay for radon mitigation when the radon test comes back high? 

• What is the probability of having high radon in a Florida house?

• How quickly do I need to reduce a high radon level in my house? 

• Does a home inspector check for radon?

• What are the problems with underground return air ducts? 

• What is the probability of having high radon in a Florida house?

• What factors can change radon test levels up or down?

    Visit our RADON page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.