Iron Ochre Treatment

Iron ochre is a reddish-brown sludge which often smells like rotten eggs. It forms when iron bacteria in your soil or groundwater interacts with oxygen and water. It is essentially a biological byproduct created when these microorganisms oxidize dissolved ferrous iron, leaving behind a thick, sticky residue. This can cause problems with your waterproofing system by accumulating in sump pump pits, drain tiles and french drains, and can damage your sump pump as well.

At Foundation Restoration, we use a powder based substance that will remove iron ochre and any slime buildup. This substance is poured into the sump pump pit, and once saturated will remove the surrounding iron ochre. The powder we use is 100% biodegradable and safe for the environment, so it’s great for a consistently healthy basement.