Radon Mitigation in Milwaukee
Wisconsin has no radon license law, so checking a contractor is up to you. Here's the process the state and the regional radon center recommend for Milwaukee-area homes.
Confirm the number before you hire
The Southeastern Wisconsin Radon Information Center's testing flowchart says to run follow-up testing in the lived-in part of the house before any major radon work. If the follow-up confirms levels above 4.0 pCi/L, EPA recommends a mitigation system.1 If your first result was over 20 pCi/L and you live in Milwaukee, Racine or Waukesha County, the center will provide two free short-term kits for that follow-up when you show the lab result.1
No state license, so check the national one
Wisconsin DHS says the state doesn't require radon measurement or mitigation contractors to be state licensed or nationally certified. It recommends hiring someone certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).2 There's no state database to search, so confirming that certification is the main check you have.
DHS's steps to find someone
- Search a national directory.Use the "find a professional" search on the NRPP or NRSB website.3
- Pick the right credential.Choose "Certified Mitigation Specialist" for an install. A "Certified Measurement Specialist" is for testing only.2
- Search by ZIP.Enter your Milwaukee-area ZIP and a radius.3
- Get three estimates.DHS recommends contacting at least three companies.3
- Confirm the certificate is active in that organization's database before you sign.2
Ready for an on-site bid in Milwaukee?
One short form connects you with one independent, licensed Wisconsin radon professional who serves your area. Free for homeowners.
Get my free referralTakes under a minuteWhat the system does
DHS describes the usual approach: a pipe through the foundation pulls radon from the soil under the house and a fan vents it outside.4 DHS says systems can bring radon below 2 pCi/L, and that sub-slab depressurization isn't a do-it-yourself job unless you have considerable contractor skills.3
Get these in writing
- The installer's NRPP or NRSB certification number and type.2
- Diagnostic testing before design, and a post-installation test.5
- A gauge or alarm showing the fan is working.5
- A guarantee to reach 4 pCi/L or below, and how long it lasts.5
After installation
Retest between 24 hours and 30 days after the fan starts, ideally with an independent tester, then at least every two years, per National Radon Program Services.6 A $10 short-term kit from the regional center works for that retest.7
Areas we serve
We match homeowners across the Milwaukee area, including these communities and ZIP codes:
- Milwaukee53202 · 53203 · 53204 · 53205 · 53206 · 53207 · 53208 · 53209 · 53210 · 53211 · 53212 · 53214 · 53215 · 53216 · 53218 · 53219 · 53220 · 53221 · 53222 · 53223 · 53224 · 53225 · 53233 · 53295
- Wauwatosa53213 · 53222 · 53226
- West Allis53214 · 53219 · 53227
- Greenfield53220 · 53221 · 53228
- Oak Creek53154
- Franklin53132
- Cudahy53110
- South Milwaukee53172
- Glendale53209 · 53217
- Shorewood53211
- Whitefish Bay53217
- Brookfield53005 · 53045
- Waukesha53186 · 53188
- New Berlin53146 · 53151
- Menomonee Falls53051
- Muskego53150
ZIP codes are 2020 Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, which closely approximate USPS ZIP codes. We list ZIPs that make up a substantial share of each community, so edge ZIPs that barely touch a town are left out, and some ZIPs span two towns.8 Not on the list? Send the form anyway, and we'll tell you if we can help.
Common questions
Do radon contractors need a license in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin DHS says the state doesn't require radon contractors to be state licensed or nationally certified. It recommends hiring someone certified by NRPP or NRSB.
Should I retest before hiring a mitigator in Milwaukee?
The Southeastern Wisconsin Radon Information Center says to do follow-up testing in the lived-in part of the house before major work. If it confirms levels above 4.0 pCi/L, EPA recommends a mitigation system.
Are there free radon kits for very high results?
Yes. If your first result is over 20 pCi/L and you live in Milwaukee, Racine or Waukesha County, the regional center will provide two free short-term kits once it sees the lab result.
How do I find a certified radon mitigator near Milwaukee?
DHS says to use the NRPP or NRSB find-a-professional search, choose Certified Mitigation Specialist, enter your ZIP and get at least three estimates.
Can I install a radon system myself?
DHS says sub-slab depressurization isn't a do-it-yourself project unless you have considerable contractor skills.
Please note: Wisconsin doesn't license radon contractors, and the state health department recommends NRPP or NRSB national certification. This page is general information summarized from public agencies, not professional advice. For advice about your home, talk with a nationally certified radon professional.
Sources
- Waukesha County, "What is your radon level?" homeowner testing flowchart (PDF)
- Wisconsin DHS, "Radon: How to Find a Contractor"
- Wisconsin DHS, "Radon Mitigation"
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), "Radon Information for Wisconsin"
- U.S. EPA, "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home" (2010)
- National Radon Program Services (Kansas State University, EPA-funded), "Installing Mitigation"
- Waukesha County Environmental Health (Southeastern Wisconsin Radon Information Center), "Radon"
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 ZCTA-to-place and ZCTA-to-county-subdivision relationship files