The WaterGuard®: IOS Iron Ochre Perimeter Drain System

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A Common-Sense Solution for Iron Bacteria & Iron Ochre Problems.

In some rare cases, a home with a high level of iron or manganese in the soil and/or groundwater will allow the growth of a microorganism known as iron bacteria. As this bacteria thrives in groundwater, it creates a thick, gelatinous substance known as iron ochre. While this substance is not known to be a health hazard, it can quickly clog a French drain system. This slime emits a foul odor and leaves rust-colored stains on everything it contacts.

 
Our WaterGuard® IOS (Iron Ochre System) Perimeter Drain Channel is ideal for managing this difficult problem. The wide-open design of the drain helps it resist clogs, while a removable lid allows for easy access and maintenance. Our drain system is custom designed to protect and help keep your basement dry all the time.
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How It Works

To test for iron bacteria and iron ochre in your water, try this simple procedure. One morning (when your pipes have sat for a while without being used and “flushed out”), fill a glass with tap water. Let the sample sit quietly for a day, allowing discoloration to occur and sediments to settle to the bottom of the glass.

Visually inspect the glass for any sediment that’s built up. If sediment isn’t present but has a rusty, flour-like appearance, then it’s likely that your water contains iron. If any iron bacteria is found, you see reddish sediment with fluffy, three-dimensional appearance, or sediment that looks like strands of strained cotton fibers, then it’s very possible that you have iron bacteria and iron ochre in your water.

Generally, iron bacteria thrives best in soils that are sandy or high in organic material. If the soils around your home have high loam or clay content, your chances of having iron ochre are lower.

Applications & Benefits

Understanding Iron Ochre & Iron Bacteria Challenges

If you have a block wall foundation, then there is a second challenge to deal with. The open cavities in each block are susceptible to filling with water – which then seeps in through the walls.
 
We eliminate this water source by drilling a “weep hole” in each block. The water then pours through these holes and directly into the drain.
 
The drain pipe is epoxied directly to the floor, and we leave a slight opening along the top to collect water leaking in from the walls. Thus, your home is waterproofed without jackhammering!

Impacts on Pipes and Perimeter Drains

Iron ochre can quickly accumulate inside pipes, attaching itself to surfaces and forming reddish sludge or slime layers. This buildup affects plumbing systems, faucets, laundry machine screens, water tanks, and pumps, potentially leading to rapid corrosion of pipes and stainless steel components as the bacteria feeds on these iron-rich surfaces. As the buildup intensifies, chunks of iron ochre break loose, flowing through pipes and creating clogs that can block entire drainage systems in just a few months.

Our WaterGuard® IOS Iron Ochre Perimeter Drain System is specially designed to tackle these unique challenges. By incorporating a large, clog-resistant channel and a removable lid for easy maintenance, it’s the only iron ochre system of its kind that can be cleaned and flushed, ensuring that your basement remains protected and your drainage systems stay functional.
 
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How To Get Started With Your Project

Getting started with your foundation repair, waterproofing, or concrete project is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
 
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Request Your Free Estimate

Call or fill out our online form. We will contact you to schedule your appointment and provide you with our recommendations and an estimate.

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Review Estimate and
Schedule Your Project

Ask any questions, inquire about financing, and get on the schedule to have your work completed.

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Enjoy Your Stabilized Home

After the work is done, rest easy knowing you have a warranty and won’t have to deal with foundation problems for years.