French Drain Solutions: Runoff Management in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner confronted a critical and worsening issue with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, positioned at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the house's foundation. This water intrusion caused extensive damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth inside 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 a suitable drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably moved beneath the house.

Creating an Effective Drainage Solution

CS Plumbing designed and implemented a gravity-fed French drain system tailored to capture and redirect water before it could reach the home's foundation.

This project consisted of several crucial elements:

A French drain system specifically constructed to collect both surface and subsurface water from nearby properties, effectively channelling it through gravity into a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, equipped with strategically drilled holes in the curb to ensure optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, linked to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A retaining wall system built along the boundary, using concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to establish a sturdy barrier against the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal on-site managed with a dumper to facilitate smooth operations throughout the project.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

The newly installed system now efficiently captures both surface and subsurface water at the property boundary, ensuring it is redirected away from the home. The homeowner has secured a durable, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.