Iron Ochre Removal in Keshena, WI
Challenge
This creekside home was new to these homeowners and they have been working on a number of home improvement projects.
Their basement had two sump pits filled with thick, slimy, and smelly red gunk that had the consistency of pudding. One of the two pump motors was completely clogged and burnt out. They, also, had an existing perimeter water control system to help stop seepage, but due to their proximity near the waterway, the water table was high and water was coming up through cracks in the floor.
The presence of high levels of iron or manganese in groundwater often gives rise to the growth of an iron bacteria called Iron Ochre. Iron Ochre clogs drain tile, sump liners, pumps, and discharge lines.
Solution
To help with this pernicious problem, Basement Systems developed Water Guard for Iron Ochre situations. With larger holes and a wide removable top, it is the best solution available to allow homeowners or service techs to do the necessary cleaning and flushing of the water control system.
Our crew came in and first installed a grid of Water Guard IOS bleeder lines across the basement floor and tied it to new Triple Safe twin liners equipped with our heavy duty motors. Next, we were also able to connect their existing perimeter trak system to the sumps. Finally, they wanted a fully dry basement space, so we installed an Aprilaire 1830 Dehumidifier to complete the system.
The old basement is now a dry environment to store items free from the threat of creeping red slime.
