French Drain Case Study: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a critical and worsening issue with water ingress. Water from two properties situated at a higher elevation began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the foundation of the house. This unwanted intrusion led to severe damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth within the home, jeopardising the integrity of recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water cascading downhill from the back and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably made its way beneath the home.

Creating a Comprehensive Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and installed a gravity-fed French drain system intended to capture and redirect water before it could impact the foundation of the home.

This project incorporated several vital components:

A French drain system meticulously designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channeling it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe running 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, linked 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 sturdy barrier to contain the adjacent yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal carried out with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Actions Can You Take for Effective Water Management?

The newly established 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 safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.