1

I have a pretty high levels of radon in the basement (~400 Bq/m3 when windows are not open), so I want to seal obvious entry points, one of which is what looks like a 10 inch weeping tile cleanout access point (see photo). At the moment it is covered by a plywood circle cutout. I dropped radon detector in there and it shows 900 Bq/m3 after a day.

I expect a lot of radon is seeping from there, from the sewer drain or from another 10 inch hole I haven't opened yet.

The question is, how do I air-seal this access point but still keep cleanout accessible and level with the rest of the floor? (it is kinda in the middle of the room).

I don't expect cleanout to be needed often (?), so at worst a permanent but removable cap siliconed in would do. Ideally though, there is a sealed access hatch made for the purpose that I can install into recessed concrete or something, but I'm having trouble googling for that.

Update: I have 3 of those cleanouts actually, after digging into the gravel for a bit it seems like it is gravel all the way down (and around). I think that's what slab on grade with wiping tile looks like?

This is 1995 house in Canada for reference. No sump pump or hole for it.

enter image description here enter image description here

3
  • 1
    I'd start with cleaning those stones out of there so that you (and we) can see what you're dealing with. There should be a cap under there and, ideally no gaps around it. Might want to remove the debris and post another picture.
    – gnicko
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 19:01
  • Looks like this gravel is what basement slab is sitting on, if I dig under the concrete, I feel underneath of the slab. I expect if I dig all the way down I'll hit the dirt after a while.
    – Eugene
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 23:32
  • So my goal is to seal off gravel air from the basement air. Something like @r13 proposed, but maybe less drastic than a concrete plug.
    – Eugene
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 23:34

1 Answer 1

2

enter image description here

The concrete plug can be easily chipped out when the need for the cleanout arises.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.