Signs That Your Radon Mitigation System is Frozen

Does your radon fan really need to be replaced? In cold temperatures, it's common for outside systems to freeze, which can make your U-tube level out at zero. Here are some things to consider before calling your mitigator.
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Thank you so much for watching!

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

Related Videos Fix your frozen radon exhaust - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmTbfqN9a5KXqac Prevent radon system freeze-ups - kzbin.info/www/bejne/paC6onqMerZ4qrs Heating cable experiment - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKbRnHVpr6yai9k

[@michaelbezos2969]

Thank you for your insight!

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

You bet!

[@andrecornellier7716]

Regarding that 4” slide damper, can you tell me where I can order it?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

Andre, we get them from RadonAway, but they don't sell to the public. Here's a link to the same valve on Amazon amzn.to/3pTImRf

[@jasonbradd8613]

I have a system that runs on the outside of the house. We are above freezing now, but had some subzero temperatures last week. The system is making a bumping type sound every so often?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

How cold was it, and for how long? It could have been a frozen system. However, there might be water below the slab at the suction point. If you have a sump pump, be sure it is working.

[@michaelherman2834]

My system is on the outside and has weep holes. During winters, the water that comes out through the weep holes creates huge icicles/ice blocks down to the ground. What is the best way to prevent that?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

You may want to eliminate or change the type of condensate bypass on your radon system. Here's a ton of information about condensate bypasses. www.wpb-radon.com/pdf/Radon%20Fan%20Drainage%20Installation%2004.pdf

[@dan_527]

@michaelherman2834 I have the same thing happening right now what did you do to fix it?

[@chuckgolds7]

Hi, Jesse - I live in northern Minnesota. I've had an exterior system for the last 2 years. Both winters I have had issues with freeze-up. But, my freeze-up isn't in the pipe, it's in the fan housing. This year the fan completely stopped working. I suspect it froze up and destroyed the motor. What do you suggest?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

Are you sure the inside of the piping above the fan wasn't closed off with ice? I have heard the inside of the fan housing can start building ice. When this happens, the fan impeller will scrape the ice, making noise. If ice continues to form, the fan impeller will stop spinning. You may hear a hum when this happens. My suggestion is to add a deicing system. We do sell kits if you'd like to do this yourself. Give us a call if you'd like to order one. You can also try insulating the exterior piping and fan. However, this will be unsightly.

[@chuckgolds7]

@@AmericanRadonMitigation Yeah, I had to take the fan off and set it in the sink to get the ice out. The housing was about half full of ice. I am leaning towards moving the fan into the basement to solve the problem.

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

Interesting, I have only seen the exhaust piping freeze and then the fan, never just the fan. Perhaps ice from the piping above fell into the fan? You may want to consider checking out sections 6.5.2 and 6.5.3 of the mitigation standards before moving your fan to the basement since it wouldn't comply with US standards. standards.aarst.org/SGM-SF-2017/27/index.html#zoom=z

[@chuckgolds7]

​@@AmericanRadonMitigation - I really appreciate the responses. The ice in the fan housing seemed like water that got caught in the housing and froze. It was installed by the previous home owner at the time of sale, so maybe they cut all the corners on the install and fan. That is great information regarding the code. I find it very interesting because I assume the life of the fan would be way longer in my conditioned basement instead of a -30 degree attic in the winter. But, I understand the risk of joint failure.

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

You bet, Charles!

[@migz101283]

Is there a way to clear it out if it's frozen?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

You can remove the piping above the fan, pour hot water to melt the ice inside the pipe, and reinstall it. You may also have a heating cable installed inside the piping to keep it clear of ice. Heating cable- kzbin.info/www/bejne/paC6onqMerZ4qrs

[@kEVsterTech]

In a full frozen situation, Would it benefit the fan longevity to turn off the fan until temperatures rise above freezing within a few days?

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

I believe most fan manufacturers recommend leaving the fan on during freeze-up situations.

[@Travelsalot]

Same question and thank you for your reply! Hopefully the sun will start to work soon and thaw ours.

[@Flamadiddle2]

had the same question. If the answer is to leave it running, what happens to the pressure created by fan if the air can't escape out of the top of tube? Mine is definitely frozen, I can see a plume of ice on top of of tube.

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

The fan doesn't create any negative pressure on the soil if the top of the pipe is completely frozen, so the impeller on the fan freewheels. You can see when this happens because your U-tube manometer will be equal on both sides.

[@jasonshafer1676]

What happens if your radar starts to leak water? From that saucer looking thing

[@AmericanRadonMitigation]

I'm not sure what you mean by saucer looking thing.