French Drain Solutions for Runoff Management 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 substantial damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and led to mould growth within 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 gardens of neighbouring properties. Lacking an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it ultimately travelled underneath 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 home’s foundation.

The project comprised several crucial elements:

A French drain system specifically crafted to gather both surface and subsurface water from nearby 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 for optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, connected to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A robust retaining wall system constructed along the boundary, utilising concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to create a sturdy barrier against the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal on-site carried out with a dumper to ensure proper management of the worksite.

What Effective Measures Can You Implement for Water Management?

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