RMS Diagnostic Testing & Troubleshooting 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of a short-circuit test in sub-slab depressurization diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

To identify locations where outdoor air is entering the sub-slab and reducing system efficiency

Answer

To test the electrical wiring of the mitigation fan

Answer

To measure how fast radon decays in soil

Answer

To test the battery backup of the system alarm

Question 2

A homeowner reports that their mitigation fan has become noticeably loud after years of quiet operation. What should the technician inspect?

Accepted Answer

Fan bearings, motor mounts, and pipe connections for wear, vibration, or looseness

Answer

The indoor radon concentration level

Answer

The crawl space vapor barrier integrity

Answer

The exterior finish on the exhaust pipe

Question 3

During diagnostic testing of a slab-on-grade home, a technician notices that a floor drain is open to the sub-slab area. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Identify it as a potential radon bypass pathway and address it in the mitigation plan

Answer

Ignore it because drains are sealed by water traps

Answer

Install the mitigation fan directly in the drain opening

Answer

Fill the drain with concrete permanently without further assessment

Question 4

When evaluating a sub-slab depressurization system for adequate coverage, what measurement is taken at multiple locations across the slab?

Accepted Answer

The pressure differential between the sub-slab and the building interior

Answer

The slab thickness at each test point

Answer

The temperature of soil gas beneath the slab

Answer

The moisture content of the sub-slab gravel

Question 5

If diagnostic testing reveals that two sections of a basement have isolated sub-slab conditions with no interconnection, what mitigation design is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Design separate suction points or systems for each isolated section

Answer

Install one oversized fan to handle both sections simultaneously

Answer

Seal the entire basement floor with an epoxy coating

Answer

Recommend a natural ventilation approach as an alternative

Question 6

A technician finds the system manometer shows good negative pressure, but actual airflow through the fan appears low. Which diagnostic tool would best measure actual airflow?

Accepted Answer

An anemometer or flow meter placed in the exhaust pipe

Answer

A radon charcoal canister test kit

Answer

A digital multimeter measuring fan voltage

Answer

A smoke detector held near the exhaust

Question 7

What is the primary reason for drilling multiple diagnostic test holes across a basement floor before finalizing suction point placement?

Accepted Answer

To map sub-slab communication and identify isolated areas requiring additional suction points

Answer

To measure radon concentration directly beneath the slab at each location

Answer

To check for underground utility pipes or wiring before drilling

Answer

To measure slab thickness at different points across the floor