Radon fan repair and system checks
A radon system is only as good as its fan. Here's what to watch for and when to call.
Radon fans run around the clock for years, and eventually they wear out. Storms, remodeling, and settling can also crack pipe or knock joints loose. A glance at the gauge now and then, plus a periodic retest, keeps the system honest.
Signs the system needs attention
- The manometer liquid is level on both sides, meaning no suction
- The fan is silent, or it rattles, whines or shakes the pipe
- A system alarm is sounding
- Pipe is cracked, separated or damaged
- A retest shows radon back near or above 4 pCi/L
- You finished the basement, added on or redid the sump since the install
How often should I retest?
The EPA says it's a good idea to retest at least every two years to make sure radon stays low, and to look at the system's warning device regularly. Retest after major renovations too.
Repairs need a credential too
Iowa's 2026 mitigation rules say modifying an existing active system, or converting a passive radon pipe to an active system, must be done by a credentialed person, unless you're working on the building you live in. In South Sioux City, radon work for others needs a Nebraska DHHS license, which you can check on the state's license lookup.
Common fixes and upgrades
- Replacing a failed fan with one sized for the pipe and suction the house needs
- Adding a system alarm so you know right away if the fan stops
- Adding a suction point after a basement finish or addition
- Moving a loud fan or rerouting exterior pipe
- Adding a fan to a passive radon pipe in a newer home that still tests high
After a repair
Test again once the system has been running. A short-term test is fine for a routine check. If the level is still high, the company may need to adjust the fan or seal more openings.
The radon company prices the job after it understands your foundation, usually after a visit. We don't quote prices, and a number over the phone is only a ballpark, not a written bid.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How do I read my radon gauge?
The U-shaped tube has colored liquid. When the fan is pulling, the two sides sit at different heights. If they're even, the fan may be off.
Can I swap a radon fan myself?
You can work on the house you live in, but a paid fix in Iowa needs a credentialed mitigator. Either way, retest afterward.
Related services
More background: Siouxland radon guide.
Radon number higher than you hoped?
Call and a local radon mitigation company will look at the house and quote a system.