How long does radon mitigation take, and what happens on install day?

Most installs take two to four hours and are done in one visit. Getting on the calendar takes longer. New systems are usually scheduled within a week or two.

How soon can you get on the schedule?

First, Bill comes out to look at your home, explain the plan, and give you the price. The install is usually scheduled within a week or two after that, and we confirm the date with you.

If you have a closing date, tell us when you call. We'll let you know if we can make that date before you commit, and we'll work around it if we can.

What happens on install day?

The time depends on your foundation and where the pipe has to go. A simple job on a slab home is often done in under three hours.

Here's what the crew does:

• Looks over the slab and foundation before drilling
• Drills one or more suction points through the slab
• Runs PVC pipe from the suction point, through the home, to the outside
• Mounts the fan and connects it to the pipe
• Seals the cracks and gaps you can see in the slab
• Puts in the pressure gauge, called a manometer, and checks the first reading

Before we leave, we show you how to read the gauge. There isn't much to it. The reading should stay about the same. If it changes a lot, give us a call.

How fast does the radon come down?

The system starts working as soon as the fan is on. Radon in the living space usually drops within 24 to 48 hours.

If you need a test after the install for a home sale, the fan has to run at least 24 hours before that test starts. In our experience, that test should be done within 30 days of the install and run two to seven days. We can work out the timing with whoever is doing the test.

What do you need to do before we come?

Not much. If boxes or shelves sit right where the pipe will go, moving them first speeds things up. We handle the rest.

Someone needs to be home. We'll need to get into the basement, and into the attic or to an outside wall, depending on where the pipe goes.

Buying or selling a home?

If you're buying and need a system in before closing, call as early as you can. Getting on the schedule early gives you room if something changes.

For more on the sale side, read buying or selling a home with high radon.