French Drain Solutions: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a significant and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties situated at a higher elevation began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the foundation of their house. This water intrusion caused extensive damage to the flooring, contributed to rising damp issues, and promoted mould growth within the property, jeopardising recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

The issue arose from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the back and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably made its way beneath the house.

Creating an Effective Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and installed a gravity-fed French drain system aimed at capturing and redirecting water before it could reach the foundation of the home.

This project incorporated several vital components:

A French drain system meticulously engineered to gather both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channelling it via gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, featuring strategically drilled holes in the curb to ensure optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, connected to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A retaining wall system constructed along the boundary, utilising concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to establish a solid barrier that holds back the adjacent yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal conducted with a dumper to ensure smooth management of the worksite.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

The newly installed system effectively captures both surface and subsurface water at the property boundary, directing it away from the home. The homeowner now enjoys a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.