French Drain Solutions: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a resident encountered a critical and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, positioned at a higher altitude, began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the house’s foundation. This water intrusion led to considerable damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth throughout 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 rear and side gardens of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage system 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 aimed at capturing and redirecting water before it could reach the house’s foundation.

This project encompassed several critical components:

A French drain system meticulously crafted to gather both surface and subsurface water from adjacent properties, efficiently channelling it through 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 models, 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 against the neighbouring yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal conducted with a dumper to streamline the management of the worksite.

What Measures Can Be Implemented for Effective Water Management?

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