French Drain Case Study: Effective Runoff Solutions 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 house's foundation. This unwanted water intrusion led to 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 originated 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 travelled underneath the house.

Creating an Effective Drainage System

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

The project comprised several critical components:

A French drain system meticulously engineered to gather both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channelling 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, which replaced the original smaller versions, connected to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A retaining wall system constructed along the boundary, employing concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to create a solid barrier to hold back the adjacent yard.
Effective soil removal on-site carried out with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

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