A Guide to Radon Manometers for Homeowners
When your home or building has elevated radon levels that require mitigation, a pipe-based system is often used to safely remove radon, ensuring it doesn't pose a threat to your health. Among the critical components of this system is the radon manometer, a tool that allows homeowners to monitor the system's performance and ensure everything is functioning correctly.
At Absolute Radon Safety, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality radon mitigation systems to clients in Aurora and surrounding areas. Our systems feature the best radon fans and piping materials available, designed to keep harmful radon levels low without disrupting your daily life. One essential component of these systems is the radon manometer. But what exactly is a manometer, and how does it contribute to radon mitigation? Let's break it down.
Understanding the Radon Manometer
For those who have a radon mitigation system in their home, you may already be familiar with the radon manometer. This device is typically a clear, curved tube mounted near the top of the system’s pipe, containing a colored liquid at the bottom and connected directly to the pipe.
The primary function of the radon manometer is to display the level of air suction occurring within the mitigation system. The colored liquid indicates atmospheric pressure, with the level of suction determined by the height of the liquid in the tube—higher levels signify stronger suction, while lower levels indicate weaker suction.
It's important to note that the radon manometer does not measure the radon levels in your home. Instead, it gauges the suction within the mitigation system, providing valuable information to both homeowners and technicians about whether the system is operating as it should.
How to Read and Interpret a Radon Manometer
When our installers set up a radon mitigation system with a manometer, they’ll explain how to monitor its readings. Under normal conditions, you should see that one side of the colored liquid in the manometer is significantly higher than the other, indicating that the system is effectively drawing air through the pipes.
However, if both sides of the liquid are level, this suggests a problem with the suction. It may indicate that the radon fan is malfunctioning or that the system is not working properly. If you notice this, it’s important to contact our team immediately so we can assess and correct the issue.
Remember, a high liquid level in the manometer doesn’t necessarily mean your home’s radon levels are high. The manometer is solely a tool for measuring the system's suction, not radon concentration.
What to Do If the Manometer Reads Zero
Next to the manometer, you'll find a number indicating the level of suction within the pipe. When the liquid levels are properly offset, this number should be well above zero. However, if the liquids are even, resulting in a zero reading, here's what you should do:
- Check the Tube Connection: First, inspect the flexible tube connecting the manometer to the pipe. It’s possible that the tube has become dislodged. If so, reconnect it or try replacing it with a spare to see if that resolves the issue.
- Listen for Airflow: If the tube connection is intact but the manometer still reads zero, the fan in your radon system may have stopped working due to a short circuit or power outage. Check if the fan is running; if it’s not, you may need to reset a circuit breaker or verify that the system hasn’t been accidentally unplugged.
- Low Pressure Issues: If the fan is operational but the manometer still reads zero, there could be a low-pressure issue within the system. This could be due to a clogged pipe, a malfunctioning fan, or other system problems. In such cases, it’s best to call your radon mitigation specialist for a thorough inspection.
What If the Readings Change Over Time?
Ideally, if your radon mitigation system and manometer were installed correctly, the readings should remain relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations expected. However, if you notice significant changes in the readings, here’s a simple troubleshooting method:
- Disconnect the Tube: Detach the flexible tube from the pipe, so the manometer is no longer connected.
- Take a Reading: With the tube disconnected, the liquid levels should be even, and the manometer should read zero. If this is the case, the manometer is functioning correctly.
If the liquid levels are still uneven, it’s possible that the manometer was bumped and needs to be re-mounted. Contact our team for assistance with re-calibrating or remounting the device.
It's worth noting that minor variations (less than 0.4") in manometer readings over the year are normal and generally not cause for concern.
For more information on radon manometers and how to use them, or to learn about our radon mitigation and testing services in Aurora and the surrounding areas, contact the team at Absolute Radon Safety today.
