Basement Waterproofing Case Studies: Iron Ochre Causing Basement flooding in Belle Ewart, ON

Challenge

A home in Belle Ewart, Ontario, had a problem in the basement. The homeowners exterior weeping tile had failed due to clogging from iron ochre formation. Iron ochre forms when iron is found in soil oxidizes when it comes into contact with water and the process accelerates when oxygen is present, eventually turning it into iron hydroxide mud that is orange in color.  When the weeping tile drainage system on the exterior of the home failed, water wasn’t draining away from the foundation and hydro static pressure forced the water and iron ochre mud into the basement. This caused damage to stored items, wood framing, the water heater and furnace. The basement floor was always wet and discolored by the iron ochre. Relative humidity levels in the basement were higher as a result which causes mold to form. The homeowner always had to clean up the mess and it was causing damage to the property and stored belongings.

Solution

The customer called Clarke Basement Systems and spoke to Ron Monk, the inspection, who explained the work that needed to be done to the home. Rob Trevisan and the team came in and installed Waterguard IOS sub-floor perimeter drainage system, FloodRing, TwinPump sump system, Iceguard discharge, Flood Check Hoses and MoistureLoc. 

Waterguard IOS (Iron Ochre System) is a specially designed interior perimeter drainage system specifically designed for iron ochre. Since iron ochre is impossible to get rid of it is always forming in the soils, which will clog traditional 4 inch drainage systems installed under the basement floor. It is designed to capture water at the footing wall joint and drain the water to the TwinPump sump system. What makes Waterguard IOS unique is the system can be serviced and cleaned relatively easily. It has a flip top lid that allows for removal if the iron ochre mud with ease. ThermalDry also protects the finished walls installed in front of it and acts as a radiant barrier preventing heat loss into the cold mass of the concrete walls. The TwinPump system is a 2 pump sump system that will continue to run from the homes generator if there is a power loss to the home. It is installed with the Iceguard fitting that protects the system if the discharge line becomes blocked or frozen. The MoistureLoc was installed to control relative humidity to prevent mold and reduce odors. 

The Waterguard IOS was carefully set in place around the full perimeter of the basement. The TwinPump system was installed and connected to the Waterguard IOS allowing the water to be pumped outside of the home through the Iceguard discharge line. The MoistureLoc was installed to control relative humidity to prevent mold and reduce odors. Periodically the system is serviced by Clarke Basement Systems trained technicians who open up the system and clean it. All pumps receive inspection, cleaning and service as required.

The customer had done a lot of research prior to the initial inspection and found that Clarke Basement Systems provided the only system available designed specifically for iron ochre. The system ensured the basement floor was going to stay dry and free from Iron Ochre. He was very pleased that the company offered preventative maintenance and service on a regular basis as required. The humidity levels of the basement were kept at proper levels to prevent mold and odors. The homeowner was also very confident with Basement Systems 25 year dry basement warranty against groundwater seepage and was satisfied that it is nationally backed through the Basement Systems dealer network, transferrable if the home is ever sold.