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iron ochre bacteria flooding basement

Iron Ochre Perimeter Drain

Our BasementGutter™ Iron Ochre Perimeter Drain channel is ideal for managing a thick, gelatinous substance known as iron ochre for the long-term future of your home.

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Perimeter Drain

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 is not known to be a health hazard, it can quickly clog an interior French drain system. It also emits a foul odor and leaves rust-colored stains on everything it contacts. However, a perimeter drain system could fix the problem for the long-term future of your home.

Our BasementGutter™ Iron Ochre 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!

Don’t let iron ochre clog your perimeter drain system and ruin your basement! To schedule a free iron ochre perimeter drain quote, contact us today! We proudly serve the Indiana area, including Indianapolis, Bloomington, and many surrounding areas.

Advantages To Our Perimeter Drain System:

  • A Wider, More Open Design
  • Large, Clog-Resistant Channel
  • A Removable Lid For Easy Maintenance
  • A Wall Flange To Collect Wall Leaks
  • Typically Installs in One or Two Days

Perimeter Drain: What Is Iron Ochre and Iron Bacteria?

Perimeter Drain: Iron Ochre

Iron ochre is typically rust-colored, but can also be yellow, brown, or gray. This slimy material is a menace to typical perimeter drain systems and can clog them in a few months’ time.

Iron bacteria is a microorganism that lives by oxidizing minerals dissolved in water  especially ferrous iron and sometimes manganese as well. As it does so, it creates a thick slime or ooze that’s usually reddish-brown in color.

This ooze will stain anything it encounters. It has a swampy, musty smell and it makes drinking water taste terrible. These stains can also show up in laundry if the line contains iron-tainted water.

Clogged Pipe and Perimeter Drain

Iron bacteria attaches itself to the inside of pipes, forming layers of iron ochre as it goes.

Eventually, these layers result in the complete blockage of pipes — and can even lead to deteriorating pipes, as iron bacteria uses the iron from the pipes as a food source. The sludge is not easily flushed out — it must be manually scooped out.


We Waterproof Basements With Iron Ochre Problems!

No matter how challenging your basement problem is, Indiana Foundation Service has the solution you’re looking for! Our iron ochre perimeter drain system is customized to handle any kind of iron bacteria issues that may arise— and is the ONLY cleanable, flushable iron ochre system of its kind!

To schedule a free basement waterproofing quote to solve this or any other wet basement problem, contact us today! We’ll send a specialist to your home to inspect and measure the space, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with a customized cost quote.

Our experts proudly serve the Greater Indianapolis area, including Indianapolis, Bloomington, Muncie, Terre Haute, Lafayette, Anderson, Kokomo, Carmel, and throughout the nearby areas in Indiana.


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Our Locations

Indianapolis, IN

624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184

Kokomo, IN

2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902

Lafayette, IN

8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901