DIY & Home

How To Check Your Home's Water For Radon

How To Check Your Home's Water For Radon. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and there's a chance the water in your home has dangerous levels of it. We'll show you how to find how much radon is in your water supply. Enlarge

How To Check Your Home's Water For Radon

How To Check Your Home's Water For Radon. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and there's a chance the water in your home has dangerous levels of it. We'll show you how to find how much radon is in your water supply.

Step 1: You will need

  • 1 radon in water kit
  • 1 pair scissors
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 towel

Step 2: Your Opening Act

Start by opening the kit - you will probably need some scissors.

Step 3: Source The Source

Find a source of water in your home where you can get a sample of non-aerated water. Non-aerated means it's not mixed with air.

To remove your aerator, start by drying your hands. Either close your drain or cover it so the aerator doesn't accidentally drop down there. To remove, remember the old saying "righty tighty, lefty loosey" and unscrew it in a counter clockwise direction.

Step 4: Don't Be A Drip

Let the water run for a while then fill your test vials completely up. Make sure there aren't any air bubbles in the vial.

Step 5: Close It Up

Close the caps on your test vials and then put them into their protective mailing tubes.

Step 6: Take The Plunge

If you are not able to remove your aerator, the alternative is to fill a bowl with water. Submerge the collection vial and cap open side up until full. While the vial is still submerged, screw the cap of the vial back on. The vial should be completely full and there should be no air bubbles.

Step 7: Fill Out The Forms

Fill out the forms provided to you by the manufacturer of your kit and put everything into the pre-addressed envelope.

Step 8: Post It

It's recommended you mail your water sample within four days of taking it.

Step 9: Hurry Up And Wait

All you can do now is wait for the results to be sent to you. Typical turn around time is about one week.

Step 10: Read The Results

Reading the results might be confusing if you're not familiar with radon. The most important thing to know is that radon is measured in "Pico curies."
For more information, check-out the Environmental Protection Agency's website: www.epa.gov/radon or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Step 11: Get Radon Active

Experts warn that there are no safe levels of radon but if you have 20,000 Pico curies per liter or more, you should definitely take action.