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There is a machine in my basement/crawl space that is making a loud hum. The sound is really loud and needs attention. It normally does not do this. The text on the pipe says "waste and vent only." If I had to guess I would say it went to one of two upstairs toilets but really have no idea. What am I looking at? Should I call a plumber? What could this be?

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    Not your question, but as far as I recall, that installation does not meet standards if it's in your crawlspace/basement. Any piping in the living area should be under suction, not pressure, so the correct location for the fan is in the attic or outside the house. Commented Dec 9, 2023 at 3:28
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    You should check if the fan is loaded with dust or anything else that can add weight to the fan blades. When that happens, it vibrates, which makes a lot of noise. Perhaps it simply needs cleaning. Commented Dec 10, 2023 at 10:12

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That’s a fan. It’s part of a radon mitigation system. It sucks gasses from under your foundation and vents them above your roof line, so that cancer-causing radon gas doesn’t build up inside your house.

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    Most likely. They run 24/7/365 and eventually the bearings give out. These days you might want to invest is a radon monitor, as you can get decent ones for $100-$250 rather than $11,000 or so like the olden days. Provides a clue if it's working right, or ...not. Commented Dec 9, 2023 at 3:24
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    Great question and great answer, +1 to both from me. I have never seen anything like this before, never would have guessed it! I live in slab house territory though. Commented Dec 9, 2023 at 16:01

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