A French drain is a pipe buried in the earth to capture water that diverse a foundation. It will inevitably collect solid material despite protection, but it will still remain functional in the majority of cases. However, there is a substance known as ferrious ochre that can compromise the effectiveness of the drainage system if necessary precautions are not taken.
Its presence has spread to different regions of Quebec, including parts of Gatineau and the north shore of Montreal. The formation of this deposit depends on the composition of the soil. VOPAA Inc. expert in foundation repair and French drain installation in Gatineau offers solutions for a foundation in such a situation.
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Why does ferreuse ochre settle in French drains?
If the soil contains soluble iron or ferrobbacity, it is very likely that a ferrous deposit will form. Since the basic elements for the development of this substance are water and air, a French drain is an ideal location.
Traditional drains with grooves inside or those wrapped in a filter membrane are most likely to be clogged by this mud.
What’s the consequence?
The ferrous deposit can block a French drain very quickly. In some cases this is a complete obstruction of the pipe, so there is no groundwater drainage around the foundation.
The riskof water infiltration into the foundation then becomes very high since the hydrostatic pressure will increase. This can also speed up the process of cracking.
If bacteria are present in the soil, the rate of deposition development in the drainage system can be dazzling and a nightmare for homeowners.
How does iron ochre form?
Let’s define what iron ochre really is. This substance is the result of a chemical reaction and/or a biological process.
The chemical reaction occurs when there is an iron presence in the soil which on contact with water and air forms a mass of iron hydroxide.
If the ferrobugis in the soil, a biological process is likely to occur to form this famous mud, and this, in greater quantities.
These two phenomena can occur independently or simultaneously. When both produce, the formation is iron ochre is amplified.
Finding the presence of ferous ochre
Its presence is usually noticed when an inspection of the French drain is carried out following water infiltration into the basement. The reddish substance will probably be strongly installed in the French drain. After this observation, it is possible to perform a soil test in the laboratory to determine if the ferrobugy is present.
VOPAA Inc. recommends intervening in the same way, bacteria or not, in the presence of muddy ferrous deposit.
The ideal situation is to test the soil before construction. If neighbouring land is affected by the phenomenon, we recommend that you conduct a test before continuing with the project. It is always best to avoid building on soil affected by iron ochre.
What are the solutions?
Although replacing all the embankment around a foundation may seem like a quick fix, this will not prevent iron from naturally migrating to the French drain. Water runoff is a factor that cannot be controlled.
However, there are ways to reduce the impact of ferrious ochre on a drainage system. Water that lengthens a foundation in such a geological context may well be discharged if the right type of drain is laid.
French Drain BNQ to the test of iron ochre
The traditional grooved drain is a perfect place for iron ochre build-up. These cavities allow the ferrous deposit to settle in the pipe despite the flow of water in the drain. Iron or not, VOPAA Inc. foundation contractor uses the rigid French BNQ drain which is much more efficient for several reasons:
- Its rigidity prevents any deformation.
- Its smooth interior surface allows for better water flow, facilitates maintenance and reduces the chances of iron ochre accumulation.
- Its PVC composition makes it more durable.
- it is suitable for indoor French drains
Regular maintenance
To avoid major drain obstruction, it is important to clean it frequently. Agricultural drain or BNQ drain, the ferrous deposit can neutralize the system especially if bacteria are present. The frequency of maintenance depends on the aggressiveness of the ferreuse mud, this can vary between a few times a year and every 3 years. To facilitate the process, it is important to install maintenance chimneys.
Stormwater management
The development of the slope and the installation of pipe systems (gutters and gutters) are very important elements in order to reduce the water load near the foundation.
Reducing the amount of rainwater heading to the drainage system reduces the impact of iron ochre on its effectiveness. The amount of deposit lodged in the pipes will be greater if the flow of water directed to the pipes is very high.
Waterproofing membrane
Waterproofing the foundation is essential when you are in such a context. Because the drain is more vulnerable, waterproof protection is even more relevant. If no waterproof membranes have been installed and the drain is clogged, the risk of water infiltration increases considerably.
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