West Fargo straddles the Sheyenne River on Fargo's west side, and it has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. A large share of its homes are newer, built with full basements, perimeter drain tile and a sump basin. Every North Dakota county is in EPA radon Zone 1, the highest-potential category, and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports that a majority of homes tested in the state are above the EPA action level. New homes are no exception.
New basement, tight house
Modern homes are built to keep heat in, which is exactly what you want through a Red River Valley winter. But a tight house with a warm interior also creates a "stack effect": warm air rises and escapes high in the house, and air from below, including soil gas, is drawn in through the basement floor and sump. That's why winter readings in West Fargo basements are often higher than summer ones.
Passive pipe? Check if it's enough
Some West Fargo builders install a passive radon pipe: a PVC stack from under the slab up through the roof, with no fan. Passive pipes help in some homes and not much in others. If you have one, test the basement anyway. If the result is 4 pCi/L or higher, adding an inline fan in the attic is usually the simplest fix. The installer should confirm the pipe connects to gravel or a suction pit under the floor, and should add a pressure gauge so you can see it working.
Clay soil and the sump
The Red River Valley's dense, old lake-bed clay can make it hard for suction to spread under a slab. In many West Fargo homes, the better approach is to use the drain tile system: the sump basin gets an airtight lid and becomes the suction point, and the vacuum travels along the drain tile around the whole foundation. The sump pump keeps working as normal. Your installer should run a quick diagnostic test to choose the best design.
Who to hire
North Dakota doesn't license radon contractors itself, but the DEQ recommends using a professional certified by a national program such as the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Ask for proof. Our guide to choosing a radon contractor covers the questions to ask, and if you have a permit question for the fan's electrical work or roof penetration, the City of West Fargo's building inspections office can tell you what applies.
Get a quote
Send your ZIP code, your test result if you have one, and whether you have a passive pipe or sump. One certified local professional who covers West Fargo will contact you. For pricing, see the Fargo-area cost guide.
Common questions
My West Fargo house is brand new. Do I really need to test?
Yes. Age does not predict radon. The EPA and ND DEQ recommend testing every home. Test once you are living in the house normally, ideally including a winter test.
Can the radon system use my sump?
Often, yes. Sealing the sump with an airtight lid and drawing suction from it uses the drain tile to spread the vacuum around the foundation, which works well in many clay-soil homes. The sump pump keeps working.
How much does it cost to add a fan to a passive pipe?
Usually much less than a full new system, because the pipe is already there. Expect the quote to cover the fan, wiring, a gauge and ideally a follow-up test.