Sub-slab Radon System (pocket83's DIY mitigation)

Volume, area, gravel, and suction video:
► • Volume as slices of ar...
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Approximate costs:
$200. for radon fan, couplers, and manometer
$300. for PVC* and fittings (this was a double-tap system)
$100. for misc. hardware, screws, et cetera (generous estimate)
*Note that (more expensive) schedule 40 PVC was used for sound deadening.
The finished system would probably cost between 1-2 thousand, depending on the location and contractor. But that wouldn't include any of the 'little things' that you get to put into your own projects. I can't accurately prepare you for how much time it will take, since filming a project makes it take much longer. It would've been nice to have a helper, too.
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The following two links are to an EXTREMELY HELPFUL website by WPB Enterprises Inc., which has been, to me, (by far) the most useful resource out there:
►www.wpb-radon.com/Radon_insta...
or
►www.wpb-radon.com/index.html
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Next is the "PA's Home Buyer's and Seller's guide to Radon," which is a handy little booklet that was printed by the DEP. Mrs. pocket received one of these at a training seminar, and I can easily recommend reading it:
►www.prc-pa.net/pdf/Radon%20Inf...
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And here are some mitigation standards by the PA DER. This will be helpful if you are building your own system; it can help you to avoid making stupid mistakes:
►www.wpb-radon.com/pdf/PA%20Ra...
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Finally, here we have the official radon page of the EPA. You should probably start here (I don't know why I didn't). Remember, the government isn't really trying to secretly kill you, because they need you to fuel the economy! You can also find building codes here for new construction. Trust us-government information is totally credible. Use it. Obey. DO IT NOW, CITIZEN:
►www.epa.gov/radon
That last bit was sarcasm. I feel compelled to say this, because some of you are actually dumb enough to believe that radon really is some sort of conspiratorial hogwash. It isn't. There is a clear correlation between lung cancer and prolonged exposure to high levels of the stuff. Simply put, radon is inert, but it breaks down into some nasty constituent elements that get stuck in your lungs where they can cause nearby cells to mutate. We have a name for mutated cells that start to grow outside of where they are supposed to-cancer. Test for radon.
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[@VampireOnline]

Beyond removing the radon from the basement my favorite thing about having it was that it reduced the "basement" smell that was there in my old house.

[@andrettibark]

I do this professionally, in my opinion your system is better than one of mine would be. I rarely do 2 taps, (though with super high levels we might) and you used the fan model we call the "fan max". Because it's our second biggest one. (Same model we use though, its a really solid piece of equipment. We see them last 3-7 years, and get a 5 year manufacturer's warranty) your info on slope and condensate is solid. You worked too hard on the foundation core. We get a 5 inch hole (I use a jackhammer drill) remove 10 gallons of material (if you have dirt not gravel you do more material. We dig with a shop vac, a crowbar, and a landscaping knife) and put our pipe in with a closed cell foam rod called backer rod wrapped to hold it in place then seal it with a product much like that self leveling grey stuff you used. No cage, and definately no backfill of gravel, as that reduces airflow a little (though your system has great airflow, that fan normally pulls like a 1.4-1.9 on that monometer. A .5 means you probably replaced a lot more material than I would have removed, so your round rock theory holds water), and would be a pain to keep on the van. Your slab seal was identical, your exit was nicer, we just silicon both sides.

[@dingleberg5816]

Everything about this man's household is beautifully over-thought

[@jasonostler9221]

Best video on the subject on KZbin, thank you for the hours of work you put into RECORDING and EDITING the project, not just installing it. Really appreciate your video!

[@pocket83squared]

HEY! Stop liking this video before watching it! Just kidding. Thanks for the approval. Have a great weekend, and I hope you like this one- it was lots of work.

[@HenryCase]

Heading straight to the hardware store for supplies to not do this. Thanks for another great one.

[@shopart1488]

We do this professionally everyday. We use a core drill to drill a near perfect hole then remove two to five gallons of stone to make a pit for the gas to collect in. There is no need to build a cage or pee gravel or concrete our fit is tight and caulked. You are correct on the fall of the pipe to shed condensation. At your second connection point use a regular T not a sanitary T sometimes they are hard to find but plumbing supply shops will have them. Clamps are available ready made and rust free we use SS washers and screws. Critters guards are also available ready made. Elbows are not allowed at the top of the stack per code in our state because of wind blow back. Your caulking was right on !! Nice job

[@SmileCentral]

I love how careful and thoughtful you are with your design and build, the pipe cage, the metal pipe "holders" and attaching the box to the block bed joint, I learned a lot watching you! Thanks!

[@usdpaulp]

This video is what made KZbin great back in the day. Thank you for the great content. Subbed

[@mikewert141]

That's a great install! I appreciate the pride you took in the design and install.

[@RycckayaMafiya]

As a professional maintenance technician and a proud doer of all things possible by hand at 35 years young, this was very professional and thoroughly thought out.

[@guitarjoel717]

Outstanding video. You do excellent work and I appreciate the way you present information; it really gives a sense of your thoughtfulness in approaching projects. Thank you for documenting this and sharing it!

[@jamesamber6009]

Lots of people install it, but I really like you paying attention to details. Great work !

[@moth.monster]

I love these videos, not because I'm going to need to build something JUST like this in the future, but because there's lots of neat little tricks in every step you do.

[@jimrussell5016]

One of the best thought out videos that I have seen, on any subject.

[@MatthewCuba]

I appreciate your attention to detail and explanation. It has certainly given me some things to think about for my own installation. Well done!

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

I appreciate your standard level of precision. Not too time-consuming,but definitely not sloppy.

[@smadnym]

WOW! The level of detail, and explanation, and reasoning around every little step in this Video, surpasses any other Home DIY videos I have seen! Thank You for making this great video! and explaining everything! It is actually very useful for me! as I prepare to do some light Radon mitigation! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@utubeastro2299]

Fantastic video! Everything I needed to know to tackle this diy project, and plenty of useful tips thrown in as well. Five stars!

[@joeburrier2273]

Much more effort than I would put into the project, but I appreciate the thoughtfulness put into it.