radon pipe cap

bakerbhoy

Can someone explain why the radon caps(for paths) you get down the plumbing stockists appear to be nothing more than bungs. I am under the impression that the sumps need to be vented.It's a bit confusing.

Poor Uncle Tom

The radon barrier, collection piping, sump(s) and excavation pipe(s) are put in place as a preventative measure, so that if radon gas is found to be accumulating beneath the house it can be directed away.

Under the Building Regulations every new house has to be equipped to do this. If a high quantity of radon gas is found (through tests) then a vent pipe with an extractor, if necessary, can be put on to the radon extraction point on the footpath.

Until then the extraction point on the footpath is just capped off, which is what happens on every new house.

It is down to each individual occupant to test their own house for radon.

North West

Hi Bakerbuoy
Attached information on radon extraction.
North West

bazma8

bakerbhoy wrote: »

Can someone explain why the radon caps(for paths) you get down the plumbing stockists appear to be nothing more than bungs. I am under the impression that the sumps need to be vented.It's a bit confusing.

Hi bakerbhoy,

Poor Uncle Tom is correct. Radon is 9 times heavier than air so it won't vent naturally. The cap is put in place so that a mechanical extract fan can be attached at a later date if the Radon levels justify it.

Personally I always detail it into the attic. Who wants a fan stuck on the foot path outside? If radon is present then the fan can be located in the attic and pumped out through a vent tile. Always do the piework in white in this case though. I've heard of people using wavin pipes and a WC being hooked up to it later on...v messy.

I did a snag list once where a contractor had put a vent cap on the radon pipe sticking 5" up in the middle of the footpath. i didn't know where to start with that guy.

bakerbhoy

Thanks for the replys.It has been cleared up for me now.