Waterguard Systems FAQs
Question: What are the dimensions of the Waterguard channel?
Answer: Including the flange, Waterguard is 4.25" tall and 3.5" wide. The channel section (without the flange) is 1.75 inches high and 3" wide.
The length of each piece is 3' 9" packed eight lengths to a (30ft) box.
If you buy by the ft the channel lengths range from 1ft to 3'9".
Question: How do you join the lengths?
Answer: After you have created the rebate 6" wide and 4" deep, you place the channel lengths end to end and apply the Waterguard jointing tape over the top and down the front of the channel including the face of the flange where it is below floor level.
The tape serves a temporary function to keep the ends aligned and to to prevent stone and mortar entering the channel.during installation.
The joints do NOT have to be waterproof.
The flangless version of the channel has mechanical jointing clips. These clips do not work with the regular flanged channel.
Question: Does the Waterguard have end caps for when you are only doing part of the basement?
Answer: No. There are no end caps. You simply use a few strips of the tape to close off any open ends. Again, the tape only serves a temporary function during installation.
Question: Are there any distributors where I can buy the product locally?
Answer: No. There are no places where yoyu can buy Waterguard for DIY use in the USA or Canada. Our website is the only place that the general contractor and members of the public can buy these products which are otherwise reserved for professional use.
Question: Do you sell the version of Waterguard known as Waterguard IOS?
Answer: No. we only sell the regular flanged Waterguard and Flangless Waterguard channel (aka BaseDrain) as listed on this website.
Question: How do you connect the Waterguard channel into the sump pit?
Answer: You use a Waterguard Drain outlet.
This is a special piece which goes in-line with the rest of the channel and has a a short length of pipe which goes at 90 degrees from the channel through the wall of the sump pit.
If you are using the regular flanged Waterguard you should use the flanged drain outlet and the flangless one with the flangless channel - the drain outlets are not interchangeable.
Question: Does Waterguard need to be laid on a pitch?
Answer: No. It is designed to be laid horizontally. The flow is created by the drain outlet. Water will flow quite happily over a horizontal surface as long as it is draining away at one end.
If the floor is on a pitch (as some are) then the sump pit should e at the low end and the Waterguard channel should follow the level of the floor.
Question: How many inspection ports (aka clean-outs) do I need?
Answer: These are optional, the system is designed to be non-clogging and so will work without them in normal circumstances.
However, they do provide peace of mind.
The most that you will need is one for every straight run of wall.
it is a good idea to have at least one at some distance from the sump pit to allow for testing, they also provide a useful place for a dehumidifier hose drain.
Make sure that you always use the flanged port with the flanged channel and the flangeless port with the flangeless channel as they are not interchangeable.
Question: My footer is more than 4" below the floor surface, do I need to dig all the way down to the footer?
Answer: No. You only need a trench 4" deep, regardless of the depth of the footer. If you dig deeper by mistake, or if it easier to dig everything away from the top of the footer, then you should make up the difference with some 3/4" stone to bring the trench back to 4" deep.
Question: The top of my footer is less than 4" deep can I still install Waterguard?
Answer: . Yes but...
You still need to put 2" of concrete over the Waterguard, so you could have an up-stand of 1 - 2" high around the edge of the floor, alternatively you could raise the entire floor by the necessary amount in order to achieve a 4" deep rebate.
As a compromise you can put the Waterguard in front of the footer, as song as you can maintain some drainage over the top of the footer, using a dimpled strip of plastic for example, in order to connect the Wall - footer joint to the channel. The flangless Waterguard is ideal for this particular application.
Question: Can I get a discount for buying Waterguard in bulk?
Answer: Yes, for trade enquiries click here.(this link will be live shortly).
For all matters relating to shipping Waterguard, see our general information on shipping.
If you need help on our Floodbuster or Therma-Dry Wall Membrane range, please visit the below FAQ pages:
Floodbuster FAQs
Therma-Dry Wall Membrane FAQs