Addressing Iron Ochre Concerns In Morganville, NJ

Friday, February 7th, 2025 by Rebecca Brossa

Challenge

We assisted a homeowner in Morganville, NJ, who was experiencing ongoing water seepage in their basement, which was exacerbated by frequent heavy rainfall. The water not only entered through cracks in the walls but also carried iron-rich minerals from the surrounding soil, leading to severe levels of iron ochre buildup. This caused unsightly stains and a foul odor, affecting the air quality in the basement. In addition to the iron ochre, the persistent moisture also led to mold growth, further compromising the basement’s health and making it an unsafe environment for the homeowner and their family. Concerned about the damage to their property and the health risks involved, the homeowner decided to contact Quality 1st to find a lasting solution.

Solution

Upon inspection, Quality 1st identified the underlying issues and proposed a dynamic waterproofing approach to address the water seepage, mold, and iron ochre buildup. The first step was the installation of our specially patented WaterGuard Drainage System, designed to collect and channel water away from the foundation. This system prevents water from coming in contact with the basement walls and helps direct it to a sump pump for removal. To ensure reliable water removal, our TripleSafe Sump Pump System was installed, featuring three pumps to keep the basement dry even in the event of power loss or extreme weather conditions. The system works in unison with the WaterGuard, providing peace of mind to the homeowner. Finally, to address the high humidity levels and mold growth in the basement, our high-performance SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier was installed. This powerful dehumidifier is specifically designed for basement and crawl space environments, efficiently removing moisture from the air and maintaining ideal humidity levels to prevent mold growth. With our WaterGuard Drainage System, TripleSafe Sump Pump System, and SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier in place, the homeowner’s basement was fully restored to a dry, stable, and healthy environment. The iron ochre stains and mold were eliminated, and the home was protected from future water damage, ensuring a safe and comfortable living space for many years to come!

Project Summary

Foreman: Heriberto

System Design Specialist: Mike PettyJohn

Iron ochre is typically caused by water seepage that carries iron-rich minerals from the surrounding soil into the basement. When the water comes into contact with oxygen, it causes the iron to oxidize, forming a reddish-brown or yellowish sludge-like substance.

WaterGuard efficiently captures water from the walls and directs it away from the foundation, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, WaterGuard is installed above the foundation footing, preventing clogging from mud or silt and ensuring long-lasting reliability.

Together, our TripleSafe Sump Pump and SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier offer a comprehensive solution to ensuring this basement remains dry, healthy, and free from moisture-related damage.