Radon Mitigation in Des Moines, IA

Radon Mitigation in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines and Polk County are located in the heart of the most radon-affected state in the country. Iowa averages 8.5 pCi/L — the highest statewide average in the United States — and Des Moines-area homes regularly test between 8 and 30 pCi/L or higher. Virtually every unmitigated home in the Des Moines metro exceeds the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.

Why Iowa and Des Moines Have the Nation's Highest Radon

Iowa is EPA Radon Zone 1 statewide. The entire state sits on glacial deposits from multiple ice age advances, which transported uranium-rich rock from the Canadian Shield and deposited it across Iowa. These glacial till deposits, 20-200 feet thick across Polk County, are exceptionally permeable and loaded with radium-bearing minerals that decay into radon gas. Iowa's geology is essentially a radon factory: permeable soils, abundant uranium, and a climate that seals homes for 5+ months per year.

Des Moines metro homes — from historic neighborhoods in Windsor Heights and West Des Moines to newer developments in Ankeny, Waukee, and Johnston — test elevated without exception. Ankeny, consistently one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, sits on thick glacial till and regularly produces test results 10-25 pCi/L. Even very new homes built after 2010 in the Des Moines suburbs test high without radon-resistant construction.

Radon Mitigation Costs in Des Moines

A standard radon mitigation system in Des Moines costs $1,000 to $2,000 — Iowa's highly competitive market keeps costs lower than national average despite the extreme radon levels requiring mitigation. This includes:

• Sub-slab depressurization system installation
• One primary suction point (Iowa's permeable soils often allow a single point to work effectively)
• PVC piping routed through home and vented above roofline
• Radon fan installation (Iowa levels often require a mid-to-high-capacity fan)
• Complete system testing and IDH certification

Cost factors in Des Moines:

• Very high radon (20+ pCi/L): May require 2 suction points or a higher-capacity fan; add $200-$500
• Finished basements: Popular in Des Moines suburbs; adds $300-$600 for routing
• Multiple foundation sections: Ranch homes with additions common in suburbs; add $150-$300 per additional suction point
• New construction: Many Ankeny and Waukee builders now include passive radon systems; activation fan install adds $400-$600

Most Des Moines jobs take 4-5 hours. Iowa's dense contractor network means scheduling is fast.

Iowa Radon Contractor Requirements

Iowa requires radon contractors to hold Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) certification or equivalent NRPP credentials. Iowa's certification program is among the Midwest's more rigorous, appropriate given the state's extreme radon levels.

A certified Des Moines mitigator will:

• Test sub-slab communication to properly size the system for Iowa's permeable soils
• Install to EPA standards with appropriate fan capacity for high Iowa levels
• Conduct post-mitigation testing (target: below 2 pCi/L — achievable even from 20+ pCi/L starting points)
• Provide warranty (1-5 years)

Des Moines has one of the country's densest radon contractor markets relative to population. Get 2-3 bids — competition is strong.

Getting Started in Des Moines

Test Your Home — In Iowa, testing is essentially mandatory. The question isn't whether your home has radon — it almost certainly does — but how much. Order a test kit or hire a professional. Des Moines tests return in 2-7 days. Expect results significantly above 4 pCi/L.

Get Certified Quotes — Contact 2-3 IDPH or NRPP-certified contractors. Share test results. Mention if your basement is finished and whether you have multiple foundation sections.

Install and Verify — Installation takes one day. Post-mitigation tests should confirm levels below 4 pCi/L (most Des Moines systems achieve below 2 pCi/L).

Finding a Certified Mitigator in Des Moines

Find a Certified Mitigator in Des Moines →

Des Moines is Iowa's largest radon mitigation market with 100+ certified contractors. Average cost is $1,100-$1,700. Iowa's extreme radon levels have made mitigation as routine as other home maintenance — it's not a question of whether you need it.

Iowa has the nation's highest radon average. If you live in Des Moines and haven't mitigated, act today.