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• Reducing indoor soil gas concentrations and health risks
associated with radon gas
• Complete system of gas collection and vent pipes, fittings,
solvent cement and venting accessories
• Tested for the application for improved performance and safety
• Unique product features, markings and warning labels for
ease of identification
SOIL GAS VENTING SYSTEM
P E A C E O F M I N D F R O M T H E G R O U N D U P T M
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RadonX™ The First Engineered PVC Soil Gas Venting System
RadonXTM Soil Gas Venting, is specifically designed, tested and labeled to address the need
for collecting and venting radon gas from a dwelling. Focusing on low-rise construction, the
RadonX product offering consists of gas collection and vent pipes, fittings, solvent cement and
termination accessories manufactured to strict quality, performance and dimensional standards.
NOTICE:
RadonXTM is a PVC piping system to be used in soil gas depressurization systems to reduce indoor radon concentrations. RadonX does not treat or cure cancer. Once the building is occupied, continued radon concentration measurements shall be performed. Consult the C-NRPP, National Radon Proficiency Program at c-nrpp.ca for details as to frequency and guidelines to follow. RadonX Installation and Technical Guide contains many critical aspects of radon gas venting, technical data on products as well as safety precautions. Please refer to RadonX Installation and Technical Guide to ensure successful, code-compliant and safe installations. The installation guide is available at www.ipexna.com
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What is Radon? Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally from the
decay of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in all soil and
rock. As radon breaks down, it forms radioactive particles that could
get lodged into our lungs as we breathe. The energy released by radon
particles could damage lung cells creating lung cancer. Not everyone
exposed to radon gas will develop lung cancer, and the time between
exposure and the onset of the disease could take many years. This is
why radon gas is known as a silent killer.
Did You Know? Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokersRadon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. More than 3,000 people die
from radon-induced lung cancer every year in Canada*.
* canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon/take-action-on-radon.html
Peace of Mind from the Ground UpTM
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Does Radon gas exist in all houses?Almost all houses in Canada have some amount of radon gas. However, radon concentrations vary from province to province and from house to house as many factors affect the final indoor levels. Soil type characteristics, construction type, foundation condition, and the use of exhaust fans, appliances and windows that affect the pressure difference between the soil and the house are the most critical factors. Presently there are no guidelines which address building site characterization for radon risk. This is due to the fact that the level of radon in a completed home or building cannot be predicted prior to construction. Therefore, the only way to know for sure is via testing after construction. Radon concentrations can vary significantly from hour to hour and day to day, therefore long-term measurements are recommended while determining radon levels. Radon test kits can be purchased online or be found at many hardware and building supply stores across Canada.
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Radon gas can accumulate to dangerous levels inside a home and become a risk to
human health. It can enter the building through openings in contact with soil such as cracks
in foundation walls, floor slabs and gaps around service pipes and floor sumps etc.
Similar to other gases, it can diffuse through porous materials including
concrete walls and slabs.
* canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html
If the measured radon concentrations exceed the Canadian guideline level, Health Canada strongly recommends that homeowners take action to reduce the levels. More information on radon gas, health risks and indoor testing can be found at Health Canada’s website*.
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The most common and effective radon reduction method is called sub-slab depressurization.
This involves installing a pipe through the foundation floor slab that draws the radon gas from
below the home and releases it into the outdoors where it is quickly diluted.
New construction:In new construction, there are three installation methods of soil gas vent piping:
The capped rough-in stub (Level-1) is not a complete radon reduction system. It only allows the future addition of a full passive or active piping system if the home tests high for radon after occupancy.
Indoor radon levels can be reduced by installing a full passive vent stack (Level-2) that consists of:
a perforated pipe below the foundation floor that collects radon gas; and
a full vent stack that runs upwards throughout the inside of the building releasing the gas outside above the roof. In the majority of cases, the combination of and is sufficient to lower radon levels to acceptable limits within the house. It is more practical and economical to install a passive stack during construction of a new home. In order to reduce the health risks of radon gas, IPEX recommends that all new low-rise residential homes should be constructed to have a full passive stack for soil gas venting.
1. Level-1 type. Radon rough-in
2. Level-2 type. Full passive stack
How can indoor Radon gas levels be reduced?
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1
1
1
22
2
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If required, or desired, further reduction can be achieved by installing a radon fan to the vent stack converting the depressurization system into an active one (Level-3). Radon fans operate continuously throughout the year.
Existing construction:
In existing buildings, it is not practical to install a sub-slab pipe and/or a full vertical stack. Therefore, the majority of retrofit applications for soil gas venting are completed with a radon fan where the piping system is terminated on a side wall. These installations are critical as there are too many factors affecting the overall efficiency such as the number of suction points, the location of those in the basement, sealing of the cut openings and code approved terminations. IPEX recommends that all retrofit applications for existing homes be carried out by a professional who is certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). Please visit c-nrpp.ca for more information.
OR
3. Level-3 type. Active stack
Many municipalities are being proactive in requiring a full vent stack to reduce radon levels in homes and have dedicated radon programs for new construction. As a minimum, it is critical to install the sub-slab pipe and radon rough-in stub (Level-1) as per the National Building Code 2015 requirements in the event that future radon mitigation is required.
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RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting IPEX is proud to offer RadonXTM, the first PVC piping solution that is specifically designed, tested and labeled to address the need for collecting and venting soil gas from the sub-slab area to help reduce indoor radon levels. Focusing on low-rise construction, RadonX is designed to maximize system integrity including compatible gas collection (perforated) and vent (non-perforated) pipes, fittings, solvent cement and accessories. The physical dimensions and tolerances of RadonX pipe and fittings comply with CSA B181.2 and Section 9.13 Soil Gas Ingress of the 2015 National Building Code of Canada.
Description RadonXTM pipe and fittings
Nominal Size 4” – 100mm
Wall thickness Schedule 40
Did You Know?
RadonX Soil Gas Venting helps reduce humidity and Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) levels in basements. Research* shows that soil gas depressurization systems can lower humidity levels and VOCs that originate from contaminated soils and groundwater and enter basements through cracks and openings similar to radon gas.
* Exploratory Study of Basement Moisture During Operation of ASD Radon Control Systems , 2007 Assessment of Mitigation Systems on Vapor Intrusion: Temporal Trends, Attenuation Factors, and Contaminant Migration Routes under Mitigated And Non-mitigated Conditions, 2015
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Description Standards RadonX™
Tolerances and dimensionsCSA B181.2;
ASTM D2665
All material and testing requirements
CSA B181.2;ASTM D2665
Gas venting system performance tests
-Gas leakage -Pull-out -Torque -Combustibility
ULC S636
Solvent cement ASTM D2564
Product markingsCGSB/CAN 149.11;CGSB/CAN 149.12
Meeting StandardsWhile there is no dedicated
piping standard (at this
time) for the application of
soil gas venting, RadonX™ is
tested to and complies with
the following recognized
standards.
Not like any other piping systems found in low-rise constructionUp until now, soil gas venting systems have been often mistaken for Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV), Flue Gas Venting (FGV) and Electrical conduit used in residential construction. After occupancy, the lack of proper labeling have resulted in unwanted incidents where Level-1 radon stubs have been used for plumbing/toilet rough-ins in basement renovation projects! With RadonX’s unique product features and markings, soil gas venting systems now can be easily identified by contractors, inspectors and home-owners.
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E. Ultra low VOC PVC solvent cement is yellow in colour and includes an optical brightener as an additive that is visible under UV light for identification of the proper cement for the application.
F. Unique perforation features 6-row hole-drilling pattern.
B. Pipe warning labels meet CAN/CGSB 149.11 and CAN/CGSB 149.12 guidelines.
C. Yellow print-lines are printed on both sides of the pipe (180 degrees apart) that includes the material type, its intended application (below or above ground use) and conforming standards.
D. RadonX soil gas venting and collection pipes are grey in colour featuring interior and exterior layers and white in the centre layer.
A. Fitting warning labels are not only for ease of identification but encourage installers to use proper joining methods.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
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RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting has gone through various material and performance tests to ensure product quality. Additional material and system type field tests have been conducted by third party testing facilities for improved performance and safety in soil gas venting.
1. Improved Airflow with RadonX Gas Collection PipeRadonX perforated pipe is specifically designed to collect soil gas in the sub-slab area. To be used in below ground installations only, the smooth interior surface and the unique perforation pattern of RadonX gas collection pipe enables improved air movement in the sub-slab area. This results in higher airflow rates in the vent stack. The 6-row hole-drilling pattern creates a total perforation area of approximately 100cm2 per meter of pipe. Increased perforation and clean-cut circular holes reduce the risk the of clogging during installation and over its service life. The rigid Schedule40 construction meets the minimum CSA requirement for pipe stiffness of 1700 kPa, which helps it to resist soil loads and other external stresses.
Print-line along the pipe
Print-line along the pipe
0°48°
144°
96°
100mm hole spacing
Hole diameter 15mm
Tested for the Application, Performance and Safety
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The performance of RadonXTM gas collection pipe has been validated by third party testing. The one-story test house plus a basement, as shown below was used to install active and passive piping stacks. Through extensive research efforts, the unique perforation pattern of RadonX gas collection pipe has been compared to alternative pipes used in the sub-slab area.
Based on the test results, regardless of depressurization system type being active or passive, RadonX gas collection pipe buried within the gravel layer resulted in the highest airflow in the vent stack and the largest depressurization in the sub-slab area. This implies that more soil gas can be removed from below ground with the RadonX piping system.
Sub-slab Depressurization
Tests*:Parameter
No sub-slab
pipe
Non-perforated Open-Ended
Schedule 40 pipe
Perforated BDS DR35 sewer pipe (CSA B182.1)
RadonX™ gas collection pipe
Nominal Pipe Size - 4” -100mm 4” -100mm 4” -100mm
Total Open Area (cm2/m) - - 32 100
Active depressurization system
(Radon fan – low speed)
Average Airflow (cfm) 7.82 16.91 17.56 20.48
Average Delta P (Pa) -0.59 -0.51 -1.29 -1.15
Passive depressurization system
(No Radon fan)
Average Airflow (cfm) 2.9 4.0 - 5.5
Average Delta P (Pa) 0.6 0.7 - 0.1
* These test results are for reference and comparison reasons only as changes made to piping configurations could result in different airflow and pressure values. ** The concentration of radon in the air is measured in units of Becquerel’s per cubic meter (Bq/m3).
Active depressurization system
(Radon fan – high speed)
Average Airflow (cfm) 79.49 80.18 94.96 98.40
Average Delta P (Pa) -11.58 -11.96 -14.07 -15.08
In addition, the initial radon levels were noted to exceed 260 Bq/m3 ** in this test
house. Installing a passive RadonX soil gas venting system lowered radon levels to 18 Bq/m3 during the one month testing period, which is well below the Health Canada’s acceptable indoors level of radon gas (200 Bq/m3) current at the time of testing.
Photo credits: IPEX Phase 3 Client Report A1-015995-01 Phase 3a
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3. Negligible Risk of Radon Gas Diffusion:Radon diffusion through pipe material can demonstrate how likely radon gas can diffuse through the wall of the pipe and into the buildings. This could be even more critical in basements where radon enriched gas is trapped in capped rough-in pipe stubs installed for longer durations (Level-1). The likelihood of this occurring would depend on radon diffusion coefficient and thickness of the pipe material. The radon diffusion coefficient D (m2/s) is a material property that would vary in every PVC formulation. The higher the radon diffusion coefficient, the more radon that would diffuse into the surroundings. Radon resistance* is a more accurate way of evaluating the effectiveness of a material in reducing or preventing radon entry, especially for materials of varying thicknesses. Based on the test results performed by a third party testing facility, for Schedule40 thickness, the 4” RadonX pipe material has a radon resistance value of 6.46x109 (s/m). This is substantially (2 orders of magnitude) higher than that of the 6 mil polyethylene vapour membrane. The RadonX PVC pipe compound is considered suitable for venting soil gas containing radon with negligible risk of radon diffusing through the wall of the piping system.
Description Polyethylene membrane
RadonX PVC pipe material
Radon diffusion coefficient - D (m2/s) 8.05x10-12 6.02 x 10-12
Radon resistance -RRn (s/m) 1.9x107 6.46 x 109
Advanced PVC formulation
The strong solvent welded joints
of RadonX pipe and fittings are
tested for gas leakage, torque
and pull-out tests from the flue
gas venting standard, ULC S636.
The advanced PVC formulation
of RadonX also passes the
combustibility test of ULC S636.
2. Leak-Free Joints
* Defined by Jiranek and Svoboda, 2017
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1. Roof TerminationUnlike DWV Systems, the majority of soil gas vent stacks are not connected to any drainage systems and ongoing maintenance after installation on passive vent stacks is very rare. Therefore, it is critical to protect the piping stack from debris, small animals and rain as any blockages could significantly lower the performance of the vent stack. In active systems, these could damage radon fans. Tight caps or mesh type covers used as a cover on top of radon vent stacks are not recommended as they could restrict airflow, thus defeating the venting purpose. Also, these could freeze over in the winter due to condensation and enable snow build up.
• 4” molded PVC rain cap with socket features three vent screens for improved air movement. The extended caps on each opening protect the stack from rain.
• Cap is mechanically fastened, allowing for quick removal and easy cleaning if required.
• Integral pipe stops prevent the cap from sitting flush to the pipe, ensuring proper spacing is allowed for air flow.
Termination OptionsDescription
Termination Options Allowed
Level 2 - Full Passive Vertical Stack (without a fan)
Roof
Level 3 - Active Soil Gas Depressurization System
(with a fan)Sidewall or Roof
The patent-pending rain cap developed by IPEX is a perfect solution to protect the vent stack from unwanted debris, rodents and rain while maintaining excellent airflow. The rain cap is attached to the vertical RadonX vent stack that penetrates the roof, whether it is a passive or an active system.
All RadonX soil gas vent stacks must terminate
outdoors. Full passive stacks (Level-2) are routed
vertically through the roof. In fan operated Level-3
type installations, the RadonX vent pipe can also be
routed through a side wall as an alternative option.
Evaluated Performance The RadonXTM rain cap was tested at a third party testing facility to ensure product performance. Based on the test results, the RadonX rain cap demonstrates higher airflow in vent stacks compared to the standard mesh type of termination using the same piping configurations.
Description Standard mesh type termination
New RadonX Rain Cap
Active Depressurization System field tests
Measured airflow in the stack (cfm)
i) high fan speed 94.63 98.04
ii) low fan speed 19.38 23.48
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Did You Know?In Canada, a typical 4” open vent stack receives an average of
6-10 liters of rainwater per year. Installing a RadonX rain cap will help prevent this from happening.
In addition, the RadonX rain cap was installed onto a passive stack and was tested throughout the entire month of a Canadian winter (in 2020) to measure airflow. For that specific installation, the system maintained its functionality and the radon levels were reduced from 264 Bq/m3 to 17.9 Bq/m3 with an airflow value of 10.5 cfm. More significantly, the openings were not blocked due to condensation and ice build-up.
Photo credits: IPEX Phase 3 Client Report A1-015995-01 Phase 3b
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2. Sidewall TerminationIn Canada, the majority of active soil depressurization systems (Level 3), whether it is for new construction or retrofit, are terminated on the sidewall of the house. Sidewall terminations can be achieved by installing a 45° elbow and a 4” friction fit vent screen. Round faceplates are the perfect accessory for single wall penetrations. The faceplates include a self-sealing foam back to help cover unsightly bore holes created during the pipe installation.
All RadonXTM pipe and fittings are supplied grey in colour; but can easily be painted to blend in with the exterior of the house.
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RadonX technical manual and installation methods guide can be obtained by contacting IPEX or may be viewed online on the RadonX Soil Gas Venting product page found at www.ipexna.com
RadonX installation training is available. Contact IPEX for more details. IPEX recommends that installers attend formal training on RadonX to ensure proper installation methods are utilized at all times.
Continuing radon concentration measurements shall be performed once the building is occupied. Consult the C-NRPP, National Radon Proficiency Program at c-nrpp.ca for details as to frequency and guidelines to follow. Always refer to the latest edition of acceptable indoor radon gas levels in local building codes or Health Canada Guidelines.
SOIL GAS VENTING SYSTEM FOR LOW-RISE CONSTRUCTION
TECHNICAL MANUAL AND INSTALLATION METHODS GUIDE
Peace of Mind from the Ground UpTM
RadonX™ Installation and Training
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Features and Benefits of Installing RadonX™
• Reducing indoor soil gas concentrations and health risks associated with radon gas
• Low maintenance solution for soil gas, humidity and VOC reduction in low-rise construction
• Complete piping system meeting standards and relevant building codes
• Compatibility of all RadonX pipes, fittings, accessories and solvent cement
• Products tested for soil gas venting application
• Greater airflow in the sub-slab area with perforated gas collection pipe
• A protective rain cap
• Ease of identification with unique product features, markings and bilingual warning labels
• Ultra low VOC PVC solvent cement
• Availability of cutting and beveling tools to ensure proper joint installation
• Installation training and literature support
RadonX pipe, fittings and cement are tested as a piping system and must be installed as such.
Different manufacturers have different materials, tolerances, joining systems and/or cements. Do NOT mix pipe,
fittings, solvents or joining methods from different manufacturers. Do NOT use other IPEX products that are not
listed in the brochure. This can result in unsafe conditions and will void the warranty of the affected system.
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Peace of Mind from the Ground UpTM
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Soil Gas Vent Pipe (Plain End x 10 ft)
Soil Gas Collection Pipe – Perforated (Plain End x 10 ft)
SGV Tee-Wye H x H x H
SGV 90° Elbow H x H
SGV 45° Elbow H x H
SGV 22-1/2° Elbow H x H
SGV Coupling H x H
SGV Cap
SGV Rain Cap
PE Termination Vent Screen
Faceplate – Round (w/ self sealing foam back)
Deburring Tool (DEB 4)
SGV PVC Cement (Eco - Ultra Low Voc) Yellow
4 100 181004
4 100 181008
4 100 286084
4 100 286124
4 100 286244
4 100 286254
4 100 286354
4 100 286414
4 100 286715
4 100 196052
4 100 197055
1-1/2 - 4 40 - 100 196246
quart 946ml 286041
PRODUCT SELECTION CHART - RADONX
Dimension Product Codeinches mm
Dimension Product Codeinches mm
Volume Product Codeimperial metric
Friction fit inside fitting hub at termination to prevent debris &rodents from entering vent.
To ensure quality solvent weldconnections, deburr all pipe endsprior to cementing.
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LITERATURE & WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The information contained here within is based on current information and product design at the time of publication and is subject to change without notification. IPEX does not guarantee or warranty the accuracy, suitability for particular applications, or results to be obtained therefrom. Always consult a licensed piping-design engineering firm for engineering recommendations during the design and installation of a project.
BRMERXIP210208C © 2021 IPEX MS0031C
About the IPEX Group of Companies
As leading suppliers of thermoplastic piping systems, the IPEX Group of Companies provides our customers with some of the world’s largest and most comprehensive product lines. All IPEX products are backed by more than 50 years of experience. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and distribution centers across North America, we have earned a reputation for product innovation, quality, end-user focus and performance.
Markets served by IPEX group products are:
• Electrical systems
• Telecommunications and utility piping systems
• Industrial process piping systems
• Municipal pressure and gravity piping systems
• Plumbing and mechanical piping systems
• Electrofusion systems for gas and water
• Industrial, plumbing & mechanical, and electrical cements
• Irrigation systems
• PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, PE, and ABS pipe and fittings
SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
i p ex n a .c o m
IPEX Inc.
Toll free: (866) 473-9462
RadonXTM Soil Gas Venting pipe, fittings and venting accessories are manufactured by IPEX Inc. and/or IPEX USA LLC and RadonX piping system is distributed in Canada by IPEX Inc., Mississauga, Ontario. RadonXTM and Peace of Mind from the Ground UpTM are trademarks used under license.
