Do Sump Pumps Increase Radon? Learn The Facts!

Sump pumps are a common fixture in many homes, especially those with basements or crawl spaces. They are designed to prevent flooding and water damage by pumping excess water away from the foundations of the house. However, some homeowners may be concerned about the potential link between sump pumps and radon, a naturally occurring gas that can be harmful to human health.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether sump pumps can increase radon levels in your home, and what you can do to ensure your family’s safety. So, let’s get started!

Sump Pumps and Their Function

A sump pump is a submersible device that pumps out the water from the sump or a constructed pit. Its main function is to suck out excess water into proper drainage. This type of pump is used in crawlspaces to prevent flooding and to keep it dry. It eliminates moisture and excess water from the surface of the basement and pumps it away from the house. Typically, drainage should be at least 10 to 20 feet away from the structure so that it will not go back to the ground. The water discharge can be in a designated dry area or creek.

Radon Gas and Its Harmful Effect

Radon gas is a harmful element that forms naturally when radioactive metals like uranium, thorium, or radium break down in soil and groundwater. It is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas. If you breathe in its radioactive particles, it can be harmful to the lungs.

Long-term radon exposure will lead to an increased risk of getting lung cancer. According to statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency, each year about 21,000 people die from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon.

Radon goes through the concrete. Since the main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from the soil into buildings, along with soil gasses and water vapor, radon will easily pass through any cracks or gaps in the basement.

Check: Best Sump Pump Check Valves

Is There a Way to Prevent the Radon Gas from Rising?

Releasing radon gas from the ground to the structure is inevitable. Radon gas can come from the sump pump, then, it enters your structure from underground. That is why sump pumps should be covered tightly with a lid and cracks should be sealed to prevent the seepage of radon into your building. Covering the sump pump can help reduce the release of radon because it blocks the huge opening in your ground. However, the downside of this process is that the radon levels in the soil become highly concentrated.

Do Sump Pumps Increase Radon?

Radon gas found in groundwater can seep into your building through the sump pump in your basement. That is why a sump pump must be installed along with a radon mitigation system so that the radon cannot leak into the home through the opening. Yes, there will be increased radon when you use a sump pump; however, there are ways to reduce it.

If your sump pump system has not been retrofitted for radon removal it can release a higher concentration level of radon gas. The solution to that is to install the sump pump with a tightly-fitting cover made of a durable material like acrylic glass. A good and secure sump pump cover must be transparent so that you can see through it if you ever need to make repairs. The best way to make it fit securely is to cover it with silicone caulk.

To avoid the release of radon gas through the soil or groundwater, a vertical pipe made of schedule 20 PVC must be inserted into the cover to let it vent out and release into the air above the roof.

Another Way to Eliminate the Presence of Radon

Another effective way to mitigate indoor radon levels is to attach a sump pump with a fan. With that process, there will be an increased airflow to circulate air. A temporary solution to reduce radon is by simply opening basement windows to improve ventilation. It will help move the gas out of the building and mix radon-free air from the outside with indoor air.

The presence of radon gas, especially when you are using sump pumps, is inevitable. However, the above-mentioned ways such as using a sump pump cover, using a sump pump fan, or simply opening the window in the basement can help you minimize the rising of the concentration level of the radon.

Conclusion

Sump pumps are an essential component of many homes, but they can also contribute to elevated levels of radon gas. While sump pumps themselves do not create radon gas, they can provide an entry point for radon to enter the home.

Studies have shown that capping a sump pump can reduce radon levels by up to 50%. However, covering the sump pump alone is not enough to reduce high levels of radon. It is recommended to install a radon-resistant sump pump system, which includes a sealed lid, airtight cover, and a vent pipe that directs radon gas outside the home.

Homeowners should also test their homes for radon levels regularly, especially if they have a sump pump. The EPA recommends testing the lowest level of the home that is regularly occupied, such as the basement. If high levels of radon are detected, homeowners should consider installing a radon mitigation system, which is designed to reduce the levels of radon gas in the home.

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