French Drain Insights: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a local homeowner encountered a serious and worsening problem with water ingress. Rainwater from two neighbouring properties situated at a higher elevation began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the foundation of their home. This unwanted water intrusion caused 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 Ingress?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the rear and side gardens of adjacent properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably made its way 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 home’s foundation.

This project encompassed several crucial components:

A French drain system meticulously designed to gather both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, effectively channeling 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, which replaced the original smaller versions, 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 using an excavator to create a sturdy barrier against the adjacent yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal carried out with a dumper, ensuring streamlined management of the worksite.

What Actions Can You Take for Effective Water Management?

The newly installed system now efficiently captures both surface and subsurface water at the property boundary, ensuring it is redirected away from the home. This has provided the homeowner with a robust, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.