What Illinois Homeowners Should Know About Radon Mitigation System Installation

When a radon test comes back elevated, mitigation is the standard next step. Most homeowners have heard that but are less clear on what mitigation actually involves. Here is a plain overview.

What a Mitigation System Does

The most common approach is sub-slab depressurization. A pipe runs from below the concrete slab to the exterior of the home, and a continuously running fan creates negative pressure under the foundation. Radon is drawn out before it can seep into the living space through cracks, gaps, or pores in the slab.

The system runs on a small amount of electricity, similar to a bathroom exhaust fan. A clear manometer tube on the pipe shows at a glance whether the system is working normally. There is nothing else to monitor day to day.

What Installation Involves

Before drilling anything, a contractor looks at the foundation type, slab construction, and interior layout. The pipe route matters. A good install performs well and does not create an eyesore in the basement or utility space.

A typical install includes:

• One or more suction points drilled through the slab
• PVC pipe routed from the suction point up through the home and to the exterior
• A fan mounted to the pipe, usually in the attic or on an exterior wall
• Sealing of visible cracks and gaps in the slab
• A manometer so you can confirm normal operation

Most residential installs are done in a single visit. A few hours for a typical home, though larger homes or unusual foundation configurations may take longer.

Illinois Licensing Requirements

Illinois regulates mitigation work under IEMA 422.150. The state requires that systems be installed by licensed mitigators following approved design standards.

When hiring, ask whether the contractor is licensed under IEMA 422.150 and whether they provide written documentation of the completed install. A signed, dated installation record is useful for your own files and matters when the home is eventually sold.

After the System Is Running

Radon levels drop quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If a post-mitigation test is needed for a real estate transaction, it is typically conducted in that same window.

The system should come with warranty coverage. At ARS, our warranty covers fan replacement for 5 years with no trip charge. If a fan is ever replaced, the replacement fan starts its own 5-year warranty.

Most homeowners have the system installed and do not think about it again. The manometer gives you a quick visual check, and the fan runs quietly in the background.