Can I Vent Radon Through an Old Chimney?
Asked by R4d0nD3tect0r88
I'm planning to set up a radon remediation system and I want to use an unused chimney for venting. It's capped off and located centrally over the house slab, which seems ideal. However, I'm a bit worried that I might be overlooking something important. I also have the option to run a 3-inch PVC pipe up inside the chimney instead. Has anyone dealt with this kind of setup before? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Just to clarify, this isn't a standard brick chimney. It's actually a metal pipe that runs from the basement straight to the roof, previously used for a water heater and furnace, both of which are now upgraded and vent through PVC on the side of the house.
Answers
It's actually not safe to vent radon through the chimney directly. If you just let the radon fan exhaust into it, there's a chance the air will escape from both the top and even through a fireplace if there's one there. The best way is to insert a pipe through the chimney and seal it properly so no gas can backtrack down into your home.
Reply to this answer
I'm looking into the same option. Why can't I use the old installed furnace exhaust? Its a sealed system designed to vent furnace gases to the roof top. After upgrading to a 96% effic furnace, the old exhaust is not being used... its a 6" flue pipe.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
R4d0nD3tect0r88: Thanks for the heads-up! Just to add, it’s not a traditional chimney; it’s a metal pipe that went unused after the equipment upgrades.