You got the radon test results back. The numbers are high—maybe 8.0 pCi/L, maybe higher. Your realtor says you need mitigation before closing. Or maybe you've lived in your Wisconsin home for years and just learned radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country.
Now you're staring at that number and wondering: what exactly does fixing this involve? Will contractors tear up your basement? How loud is the system? Does it really work?
Let's walk through what actually happens when professionals install a radon mitigation system in your home. No mysteries, no surprises—just the real process from start to finish.
The Pre-Installation Inspection
Before any drilling begins, a certified technician examines your home's foundation. This isn't a quick glance—it's a diagnostic assessment that determines the entire approach.
The technician looks at whether you have a poured concrete foundation, block walls, or a crawl space. Each type affects where and how the system pulls radon from beneath your home. They'll also check for cracks in the foundation, existing sump pump systems, and the best locations for exterior piping.
This inspection answers the critical question: where is radon entering, and where can we create the most effective suction point?
Most homes in south-central Wisconsin have basements with concrete slab floors. The technician marks the optimal drilling location—usually in a utility area or corner where the system will be least intrusive to your living space.
Drilling and Piping Installation
Here's where homeowners often feel nervous. The drilling sounds intense, but the actual hole is typically 3-4 inches in diameter through your basement floor.
The technician drills through the concrete slab to reach the soil and aggregate layer beneath. This creates a suction point where the system will draw radon gas before it enters your home. The drilling takes about 15-30 minutes and produces some concrete dust, which gets cleaned up immediately.
A PVC pipe is inserted into this hole and sealed with specialized caulking to prevent air leaks. The pipe extends vertically, usually routed along a basement wall or through a closet, then continues through the rim joist to the exterior of your home.
The routing matters. Professionals place piping to minimize visual impact while maintaining system efficiency. You'll see the pipe, but it's typically tucked into corners or utility areas where it blends with other home systems.
Fan Installation and Exterior Components
The radon mitigation fan—the heart of the system—gets mounted on the exterior of your home, usually in the attic, garage, or outside wall. This placement serves two purposes: it keeps the fan noise outside your living space and ensures that any radon in the pipes never enters occupied areas.
Homeowners often ask about noise. A properly installed exterior fan produces a low hum similar to a bathroom exhaust fan. You might notice it standing directly next to it, but it won't disturb your daily life or sleep.
Energy usage is minimal—most radon fans run continuously and use about as much electricity as a 60-watt light bulb. The continuous operation is intentional. Radon levels fluctuate based on weather, soil conditions, and air pressure. A system that runs 24/7 provides consistent protection.
The exterior piping extends above your roofline, venting radon gas safely into the outdoor air where it disperses harmlessly. The final installation looks clean and professional, with the pipe painted or matched to your home's exterior when possible.
Sealing and System Activation
Once the piping and fan are in place, the technician seals any foundation cracks or openings where radon could bypass the system. This includes areas around utility penetrations, floor-to-wall joints, and sump pump covers.
These seals aren't optional extras—they're essential to system performance. Think of it this way: you're creating negative pressure beneath your foundation to pull radon away before it enters. Any unsealed cracks are shortcuts that reduce effectiveness.
The system gets activated, and the technician uses specialized gauges to verify proper suction. You'll see a small U-tube manometer installed on the pipe—a simple visual indicator that shows the system is working. If the liquid in the tube is offset, your system is pulling air from beneath your foundation as designed.
Post-Installation Testing and Guarantees
Installation day ends with your system running, but the real proof comes 24-48 hours later when radon levels have stabilized.
Professional installers conduct follow-up testing to verify that radon levels have dropped below 4.0 pCi/L—the EPA's action level. In most cases, a properly installed system reduces radon by 80-99%, bringing levels well below the recommended threshold.
PureTech Home Services provides a 5-Year Limited Workmanship Warranty covering the system components and installation. The fan itself carries a separate manufacturer's warranty. This coverage transfers automatically if you sell your home, which can be a selling point for buyers who value documented safety improvements.
You'll receive documentation of your post-mitigation radon levels, system specifications, and warranty information. Keep these records with your home's important documents—future buyers will want to see them.
What This Means for Your Home
The entire installation typically completes in one day. You'll have a small hole drilled in your basement floor, some PVC piping running to your roof, and a quiet fan working continuously to protect your family from radon exposure.
The system doesn't require regular maintenance beyond an occasional check of the manometer and fan operation. The EPA recommends rechecking your home every 2 years with a mitigation system to ensure the system is still maintaining lower concentrations of radon.
For Wisconsin homeowners, radon mitigation isn't unusual—it's a standard home improvement that addresses a well-documented regional issue. New construction homes often include these systems by default. If you're buying or selling, having mitigation already in place removes a common contingency from real estate transactions.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you have elevated radon levels in your home, the process of fixing them is straightforward. No foundation damage, no major construction, no ongoing hassle—just a professionally installed system that works quietly in the background.
PureTech Home Services provides same-day estimates and quick installation turnaround for residential radon mitigation in south-central Wisconsin. Their nationally certified technicians handle everything from initial assessment to post-installation verification.
Call (608) 292-4221 or visit puretechhs.com to request your no-cost estimate. Get the clarity you need and the protection your family deserves.
