DIY Radon Mitigation Systems: What Homeowners Should Know Before Installing Their Own
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re researching DIY radon mitigation systems, and that’s understandable. Radon is a serious health concern, and many homeowners want to take action quickly, affordably, or hands-on.
At Clear Radon, we’re professional radon testers and mitigators, but we also believe strongly in educating and supporting homeowners, even those who choose to take the DIY route. We want to help you make informed, safe decisions and understand when DIY makes sense and when professional guidance can be valuable.
If at any point you have questions, need a second opinion, or want help checking your work, we’re always happy to talk.
What Is Radon and Why Mitigation Matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and can enter homes through:
Foundation cracks
Sump pits
Crawlspaces
Utility penetrations
Basement floors and walls
Radon is colorless, odorless, and invisible. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels is through testing.
Long-term exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer, according to the EPA — which is why mitigation is recommended when levels reach or exceed 4.0 pCi/L.
Can You Install a DIY Radon Mitigation System?
Yes — some homeowners can successfully install DIY radon mitigation systems, especially in straightforward situations. However, radon mitigation is more than installing a fan and some pipe. The effectiveness of a system depends on:
Foundation type
Soil conditions
Home layout
Airflow dynamics
Proper sealing
Fan sizing and placement
DIY systems can work, but they require careful planning, correct installation, and thorough post-installation testing.
Common Types of DIY Radon Mitigation Systems
1. Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)
This is the most common and effective method for reducing radon in homes with basements or slab foundations.
DIY SSD systems typically include:
PVC piping routed from beneath the slab
An inline radon fan
Venting above the roofline
Sealed entry points
Key DIY challenges:
Knowing where to place the suction pit
Properly drilling through the slab
Correct fan sizing
Ensuring airtight seals
Avoiding backdrafting or negative pressure issues
2. Crawlspace Mitigation
Crawlspaces require different approaches depending on whether they are vented or encapsulated.
DIY methods may include:
Sealing exposed soil with vapor barriers
Installing vent pipes beneath the barrier
Adding fans to create negative pressure
Key DIY challenges:
Incomplete sealing
Moisture control issues
Improper airflow balance
Safety when working in confined spaces
3. Passive Radon Systems
Passive systems rely on natural airflow instead of fans. These are sometimes installed during new construction.
Important note: Passive systems are often not sufficient on their own and may need to be converted to active systems with a fan later.
What DIY Kits Usually Include (and What They Don’t)
Most DIY radon kits include:
PVC pipe
A radon-rated fan
Basic instructions
Mounting hardware
What they often don’t include:
Customized guidance for your foundation type
Diagnostic testing equipment
Pressure field extension analysis
Sealing materials for complex foundations
Knowledge of local building codes
Long-term performance monitoring
This doesn’t make DIY kits bad — it just means the homeowner takes on more responsibility.
Testing Is Non-Negotiable (before and after)
One of the most important things we want DIY homeowners to understand is this: A radon system is only successful if testing proves it works. Here is how you can know for sure:
Before Installation
Test your home to confirm elevated radon levels
Understand baseline readings
Test in the lowest livable area
After Installation
Retest within 24–72 hours
Test again after 30 days
Test seasonally if possible
Without testing, there’s no way to know whether a DIY system is actually reducing radon or potentially making it worse.
Common DIY Mistakes We See
Some of the most common DIY issues include:
Improper Fan Selection
Poor Sealing
Incorrect Vent Termination
No Manometer or Monitoring
Skipping Code or Safety Considerations
When DIY Might Be Reasonable
DIY radon mitigation may be a reasonable option if:
Your home has a simple slab or basement
Radon levels are moderately elevated
You’re comfortable with drilling, sealing, and electrical work
You commit to thorough testing
You understand that adjustments may be needed
When Professional Help Is Recommended
We gently recommend professional involvement if:
Radon levels are very high
Your home has a complex foundation
You have combustion appliances
You’re unsure about airflow or fan sizing
DIY efforts don’t reduce levels sufficiently
You want guaranteed results
We’re here if your system needs refinement!
How Clear Radon Supports DIY Homeowners
Even if you choose to install your own system, you don’t have to do it alone.
We’re happy to:
Answer questions before you start
Review your plan or system layout
Help interpret test results
Troubleshoot underperforming systems
Provide professional testing or follow-up
Step in if you decide professional installation is a better fit
Our goal is safer homes, not pressure sales, you can read our google reviews if you’d like to confirm! :)
DIY + Professional Support = Best of Both Worlds
Many homeowners find that a hybrid approach works well:
DIY installation
Professional testing or verification
Expert troubleshooting if needed
This approach keeps costs manageable while ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Choosing to install a DIY radon mitigation system is a personal decision. When done thoughtfully, carefully, and with proper testing, DIY systems can reduce radon levels.
But radon mitigation isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. Ongoing monitoring, adjustments, and expert guidance are sometimes needed — and that’s okay.
If you ever want a second set of eyes, professional testing, or just a conversation about your options, Clear Radon is here to help.
Devin McDowell
Clear Radon Owner, Certified Radon Measurement and Mitigation Specialist417-849-4729