What is radon mitigation?

Radon mitigation is any system or process that lowers the radon gas level inside a building. Most home systems use a fan and a pipe to pull soil gas from under the foundation and vent it outdoors above the roof.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 29 October 2026

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How does radon mitigation work?

Radon is pulled into most houses because indoor air pressure sits below the pressure in the soil, so a mitigation system reverses that pull and sends the gas outdoors instead. EPA explains the cause and the cure: “However, if the air pressure of a house is lower than the surrounding soil (which is usually the case), the house will act as a vacuum, sucking radon gas inside.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Soil suction, for example, prevents radon from entering your home by drawing the radon from below the home and venting it through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the home where it is quickly diluted.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Radon mitigation systems use a fan to continuously pull air from the soil and vent it outdoors through a pipe that ends above the edge of the roof.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29. “Sealing limits the flow of radon and makes the radon mitigation system more efficient.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29.

How does the Minnesota Department of Health define radon mitigation?

Radon mitigation means lowering the amount of radon gas that builds up indoors, using a built system or a fix to the house itself. The Minnesota Department of Health defines it and names the target level: “Radon mitigation is any process or system used to reduce radon concentrations in buildings.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29. “All systems should reduce radon below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries of radon per liter of air).” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29.

Sub slab depressurization radon mitigation system

Sub-slab depressurization is the fan-driven version of soil suction for basement and slab homes: a pipe goes through the floor slab into the gravel or soil beneath it. EPA describes it in its consumer guide: “Active subslab suction — also called subslab depressurization — is the most common and usually the most reliable radon reduction method.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Often, only a single suction point is needed.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Passive subslab suction is generally not as effective in reducing high radon levels as active subslab suction.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29.

Radon mitigation fan

The fan is the part that makes an active system work, creating suction under the floor and pushing the gas out of the vent pipe, and EPA guidance sets where it may sit. EPA and the Minnesota Department of Health say: “A radon vent fan connected to the suction pipes draws the radon gas from below the home and releases it into the outdoor air while simultaneously creating a negative pressure or vacuum beneath the slab.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Common fan locations include unconditioned home and garage spaces, including attics and the exterior of the home.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “The fan cannot be in or below a livable space.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29. “Remember, the fan should NEVER be turned off; it must run continuously for the system to work correctly.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29.

What does a radon mitigation system look like?

From inside the house you usually see a plastic pipe running up from the floor, a small gauge that shows whether the fan runs, and a label, with the pipe ending above the roof edge outside. The Minnesota Department of Health and EPA describe each piece: “Radon pipe is a PVC pipe that vents radon outside.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29. “U-tube manometer is a device that visually indicates if the fan is working.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29. “The exhaust pipes of soil suction systems must vent above the surface of the roof and 10 feet or more above the ground, and must be at least 10 feet away from windows, doors or other openings that could allow radon to reenter the home, if the exhaust pipes do not vent at least 2 feet above these openings.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Radon reduction systems must be clearly labeled.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29.

Does a radon mitigation system work?

EPA says yes: a working system should bring indoor radon below the 4 pCi/L action level, and some systems cut it by as much as 99 percent. EPA and the Minnesota Department of Health report: “Radon reduction systems work.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “A quality radon mitigation system may reduce year-round levels to below 2 pCi/L.” Source: Minnesota Department of Health, read 2026-10-29.

How long does a radon mitigation system last?

EPA ties the working life of a system to its fan, which it says may run five years or more before repair or replacement, and it asks owners to retest every two years. EPA says: “Fans may last for five years or more (manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years) and may then need to be repaired or replaced.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “Similar to a furnace or chimney, radon reduction systems need occasional maintenance.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29. “It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-10-29.

Sources

Radon Mitigation Systems — Minnesota Department of Health; published 2024-10-03; read 2026-10-29.
How to Address Radon When Building a New Home — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; published 2026-08-17; read 2026-10-29.
A Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home (EPA 402/K-10/005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; published 2025; read 2026-10-29.
How do I know if my radon mitigation system is working properly? — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; published 2026-06-23; read 2026-10-29.