If you live in Mandan or elsewhere in Morton County, radon should be on your home checklist. North Dakota ranks among the highest-risk states for indoor radon, and many homes here test above the EPA action level. You want clean air and a smooth sale when it is time to move. This playbook shows you when and how to test, what your results mean, and the steps to take if levels are high. Let’s dive in.
Why radon matters in Morton County
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through foundation cracks and openings. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and testing is the only way to know your level. The EPA’s action level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and there is no known safe level, so all homes should be tested. North Dakota research indicates nearly every county averages above 4 pCi/L, which means Morton County homeowners should take testing seriously.
How to test your Mandan home
Choose your test type
- Short-term test (2 to 90 days). Good for quick screening and real estate timelines. Common kits include charcoal canisters and electret ion chambers.
- Long-term test (90 days or more). Best for your true annual average because it smooths seasonal swings.
- Continuous radon monitor. An electronic device often used by certified professionals. It logs hourly results and is common in real estate transactions.
Pick the best time
- In our cold climate, winter testing often produces conservative results because homes are closed up.
- For short-term tests, maintain closed-house conditions for 12 hours before and during testing.
- Keep doors and windows closed except for normal entry and exit.
Place the device correctly
- Test the lowest lived-in level, such as a finished basement family room or bedroom.
- Set the device about 20 inches above the floor and away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, direct sun, and exterior walls.
- Do not test in kitchens, bathrooms, or near HVAC intakes. Follow your kit’s instructions closely. For details, see the EPA physician’s guide.
What your results mean
- Below 2 pCi/L: No action is usually needed. Retest if you finish a basement or change how you use the space.
- Between 2 and 4 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if anyone in the home smokes, is pregnant, or spends significant time in the basement.
- At or above 4 pCi/L: Take action. If it was a short-term test, confirm with a second short-term or a long-term test. If a long-term test is 4 pCi/L or higher, plan mitigation. See CDC guidance on next steps.
If your level is high: proven fixes
Common mitigation methods
- Active sub-slab depressurization. The most effective method for slab or basement homes. A pipe-and-fan system draws soil gas from beneath the slab and vents it outdoors, often reducing radon by 80 to 99 percent.
- Crawlspace solutions. A sealed plastic membrane plus sub-membrane suction treats crawl areas effectively.
- Sump adaptations and targeted sealing. Sealing supports the system but rarely fixes radon by itself. Learn more at SOS-RADON’s mitigation overview.
What about well water?
Airborne radon from soil is usually the main source. If you use a private well and your air results are unusual or elevated, consider testing the water and talk with a professional about treatment options. Start with water testing guidance.
Cost, timeline, and verification
- DIY short-term kit: often a modest cost depending on the vendor. The North Dakota DEQ lists approved kit sources and suppliers.
- Professional mitigation: typically about 800 to 2,500 dollars, depending on your home’s foundation and layout. See the EPA’s cost overview.
- Timeline: short-term tests can be completed in 2 to 7 days. Long-term tests take 90 days or more. After installing a system, retest to verify the reduction, commonly within 24 hours to 30 days.
Who to hire in Morton County
Work with certified professionals and verify credentials, references, and warranties.
What to ask for:
- A written estimate with proposed suction points, fan location, and expected reduction.
- Proof of certification and insurance.
- Pre- and post-mitigation testing plan and a written post-mitigation result.
- Fan warranty and maintenance tips.
Real estate tips for Mandan buyers and sellers
- In transactions, buyers often request a short-term test with a continuous radon monitor from a certified tester to get fast, reliable results.
- Who pays for testing or mitigation is negotiated case by case.
- North Dakota considered a 2025 bill to require sellers to disclose past radon testing and health risks. Check current state law and talk with your agent. Read about the proposed bill here: ND radon disclosure proposal.
Your step-by-step playbook
- Decide your context
- Routine check, after finishing a basement, or during a sale. In real estate timelines, a professional short-term test with a monitor is common.
- Get a test
- DIY: pick an EPA-accepted kit from a local supplier or an approved vendor listed by the state. Start at the ND DEQ radon page.
- Professional: hire a certified measurement pro for authoritative results, especially in a sale.
- Prepare and run the test
- Follow instructions closely. For short-term tests, keep closed-house conditions for 12 hours prior and during the test. Place the device on the lowest lived-in level and avoid drafts.
- Interpret and confirm
- Below 2 pCi/L: note your result and retest after major changes. Between 2 and 4 pCi/L: consider mitigation. At or above 4 pCi/L: confirm with a follow-up short-term or long-term test, then get mitigation quotes if confirmed.
- Hire and verify
- Get multiple quotes from certified mitigators. Confirm scope, expected results, warranty, and post-mitigation testing. Retest within 24 hours to 30 days after the system starts.
- Maintain and retest
- Check the fan indicator periodically and follow the installer’s instructions. Retest your home every 2 years and after renovations or foundation work.
Keep your home safe long term
Radon is fixable. With a simple test, clear next steps, and a certified pro, you can protect your family and your investment. If you are planning to buy or sell in Mandan, a clean radon report can also reduce surprises and keep your deal on track.
If you want local, practical guidance for your specific home or a sale timeline, reach out to Travis Huber. We can help you plan testing, connect you with certified pros, and navigate what makes sense for your goals.
FAQs
What is radon and why is it common in North Dakota homes?
- Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can enter through foundations; North Dakota has widespread elevated levels, so every home should be tested.
How should I choose between short-term and long-term radon tests?
- Use a short-term test for quick screening or real estate timelines and a long-term test for your best annual average; confirm any high short-term result with another test.
Where exactly should I place a radon test in a Mandan house?
- Place it on the lowest lived-in level about 20 inches above the floor, away from drafts, high heat, humidity, direct sun, exterior walls, and kitchens or bathrooms.
What does a radon result of 2 to 4 pCi/L mean for my family?
- Consider mitigation at this range, especially if anyone smokes or spends time in the basement, since there is no known safe level of radon.
How much does professional radon mitigation cost around Morton County?
- Most homes fall near 800 to 2,500 dollars depending on layout and foundation; always get multiple quotes and verify certification and warranties.
Should I test well water for radon in Morton County?
- Air is usually the main source, but if you use a private well and see unusual air results, ask a pro whether water testing makes sense for your situation.
