French Drain Implementation for Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a serious and worsening problem with water ingress. Rainwater from two adjacent properties situated at a higher elevation began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the house’s foundation. This water intrusion caused considerable damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and led to mould growth within the property, jeopardising recently completed renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water moving downhill from the back and side gardens of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably flowed 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 building’s foundation.

This project comprised several crucial elements:

A French drain system specifically designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently directing it through gravity into a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, equipped with strategically placed holes in the curb to ensure optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, which replaced the original smaller pipes, connected to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A retaining wall system constructed along the boundary, using concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled by an excavator to create a solid barrier that holds back the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal carried out on-site with a dumper to ensure smooth management of the work area.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

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