French Drain Case Study: Effective Runoff Solutions in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a significant 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 house's foundation. This intrusion led to extensive damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth within the property, jeopardising recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

The issue arose from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the back and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably flowed beneath the house.

Creating a Comprehensive Drainage Solution

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

This project incorporated several vital elements:

A French drain system specifically designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from adjacent properties, efficiently channeling it via gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, featuring strategically drilled holes to facilitate optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, linked to new 100mm PVC piping that leads 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 on-site executed with a dumper to ensure effective management of the worksite.

What Strategies Can You Implement 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 durable, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.