French Drain Solutions: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Resolving Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a critical 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, promoted rising damp, and led to mould growth within the property, jeopardising recent renovations.

How Can You Identify the Symptoms of Water Intrusion?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the rear and side yards of neighbouring properties. In the absence of an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably migrated beneath the house.

Creating an Effective Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and implemented a gravity-fed French drain system specifically to capture and redirect water before it could compromise the foundation of the home.

This project included several crucial components:

A French drain system meticulously engineered to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channeling it through gravity to 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, which 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 create a solid barrier to hold back the adjacent yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal conducted with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

The newly installed system now effectively 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.