Using RadonX Pipe to Meet Ontario Building Codes For Radon Mitigation
RadonX pipe is a specialized PVC piping system used to collect and vent naturally occurring hazardous soil gases, primarily radon. Radon is channelled from beneath a building’s foundation to the outdoors. This prevents dangerous buildup inside homes and reduces lung cancer risk. It’s a complete, engineered solution from IPEX that includes pipes, fittings, and cement, designed for new low-rise construction and retrofits to create a sub-slab depressurization system.
Key Functions
- Soil Gas Collection: Perforated RadonX pipe is laid in the sub-slab area to capture radon and other soil gases.
- Venting: The collected gas is channeled through a vent stack (often using solid RadonX pipe) to the outside, away from the living space.
- System Integrity: RadonX is a unique system that performs best independently. Meaning components shouldn’t be mixed with other manufacturers’ products to ensure a leak-proof seal against radon.
Why Radon Mitigation is Important
Health Impact of Radon: Radon is an odorless, colourless, radioactive gas. It is naturally produced during the decay of uranium, and is present in all soil and rock types. The decaying process emits alpha particle radiation which severely damages DNA. It is classified as a Category 1 Class A Carcinogen. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, accounting for 16% of lung cancer diagnosis.
Soil Gas Venting: Over time, radon can seep into a home through cracks and openings in the foundation. If not adequately vented, it can build to concentrations that pose a serious health hazard. The RadonX Soil Gas Venting System from IPEX is Canada’s first PVC radon gas piping system. Consistoing of perforated gas collector and venting pipes, fittings, accessories and solvent cements. Working together as an engineered system, RadonX safely collects and vents soil gas before it enters your home.
Code Compliance: RadonX pipe is engineered to meet specific building codes and standards for radon mitigation. Creating a pathway for harmful soil gas to escape harmlessly before it can enter your home.
Understanding the Ontario Building Codes and Standards Compliance for Radon Venting
There is presently no dedicated piping standard for the application of soil gas venting. However, RadonX is tested to and complies with the recognized standards outlined below.
The physical dimensions and tolerances of our radon venting pipe and fittings comply with CSA B181.2 and Section 9.13.4.3. Material Standards of the Ontario Building Code. RadonX vent pipe and fittings are approved for non-combustible construction, when tested to the CAN/ULC S102.2. Achieving a Flame Spread Rating of not greater than 25.
CSA B181.2
CSA B181.2 refers to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for PVC and CPVC Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Pipe, Pipe Fittings, and Accessories. This standard covers poly(vinyl chloride) drain, waste, and vent (PVC-DWV) pipe, pipe fittings, and accessories such as factory-assembled expansion pints, closet flanges, and backwater valves.
This standard includes requirements for materials, workmanship, dimensions and tolerances, impact strength, chemical resistance, water resistance, dimensional stability, hydrostatic strength, solvent cement, and marking, as well as performance requirements for expansion joints, closet flanges, and backwater valves.
Our Interpretation of CSA B181.2: RadonX pipe and fittings meet or exceed the strength and resistance requirements for safe use in home construction as per the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Section 9.13.4.3.
Section 9.13.4.3. Material Standards of the Ontario Building Code states that materials used to provide a barrier to soil gas ingress through floors-on-ground shall conform to CAN/cgsb-51.34-M, “Vapour Barrier, Polyethylene Sheet, for use in building construction”. CAN/cgsb-51.34-M is a classification system and specifies physical property requirements. This document covers a material intended to be used in building construction applications, that may be used above grade or in contact with the ground. These values are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control. They are not intended to predict in situ end-use product performance.
Our Interpretation of Section 9.13.4.3: RadonX pipe and fittings meet or exceed the physical property and quality control requirements for building construction as per the National Standard of Canada.
CAN/ULC-S102.2
CAN/ULC-S102.2 is the standard method of test for surface burning characteristics of flooring, floor coverings, and miscellaneous materials and assemblies. Set by the National Standard of Canada. This Standard is applicable to:
- Materials which cannot be tested as described in Clause 1.1 of CAN/ULC-S102, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies, without the use of supporting material that is not representative of the intended installation.
- Materials which, when tested, melts or drips, or otherwise disintegrates and continues to burn on the floor of the test chamber.
- Materials designed for use in a relatively horizontal position with only its top surface exposed to air; or Thermoplastic materials.
The primary purpose of this Standard is to determine the comparative burning characteristics of the material or assembly under test by evaluating the flame spread over its surface when exposed to a test fire and thus establish a basis on which surface burning characteristics of different materials or assemblies may be compared.
Our Interpretation of CAN/ULC-S102.2: RadonX is tested to meet or exceed the heat, melting, or fire resistance characteristics required for safe use in building construction per the National Standard of Canada.
A Quick Summary of the Ontario Building Code Regarding Radon Mitigation
As of January 1, 2025, the Ontario Building Code strengthens requirements for radon, making “rough-ins” mandatory in new homes. This allows for future activation if needed. Some municipalities have implemented more specific, stricter requirements for radon mitigation in new construction. RadonX products are designed to meet these requirements.
There are currently no legal obligations for existing homes, rentals, or businesses to add radon mitigation systems into their building unless there are high radon levels that need to be corrected. In the future, potential buyers may want radon testing done prior to a home purchase, which can be completed with an in-home monitor over a 90 day period. It’s best to do this testing during the winter, when your windows are closed. This creates a more accurate reading. Alternatively, you can hire a professional for a faster reading.
For RadonX pipes and fittings you can visit us in store or connect with our plumbing expert George for advice by phone or email.
