The WaterGuard®: IOS Iron Ochre Perimeter Drain System

What It Does:

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 a French drain system. It also 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.

Advantages To Our 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 1-2 Days
Our drain system is custom-designed to protect and help keep
your basement dry all the time!
Get a FREE Quote!

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 by phone or e-mail today! We proudly serve the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland area, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Ellicott City and many surrounding areas.

Iron ochre water on a concrete basement floor, staining everything

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.

What Is Iron Ochre & Iron Bacteria?

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 coloration.

This ooze will stain anything it contacts. 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 Pipes & Perimeter Drains

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 Bacteria & Iron Ochre Problems!

No matter how challenging your basement problem is, Basement Systems USA 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 Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland area, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Ellicott City, surrounding areas such as Upper Darby, Wilmington, Lancaster, Parkville, Owings Mills, Haverford, Dundalk, and nearby towns in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.

our service area

We serve the following areas

Our Locations:

Basement Systems USA
2092 East Old Philadelphia Road
Elkton, MD 21921
1-410-858-4610


Basement Systems USA
3000 Woods End Dr
Joppa, MD 21085
1-410-656-2558