French Drain Case Study: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Resolving Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a serious and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and seep beneath the foundation of the house. This incursion of water caused extensive damage to the flooring, contributed to rising damp, and led to mould growth inside the property, jeopardising recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Water Intrusion Symptoms?

The issue originated 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 made its way beneath 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 reached the foundation of the home.

This project comprised several vital elements:

A French drain system meticulously designed to collect 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, featuring strategically drilled holes in the curb to optimise water discharge.
Three 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 via an excavator to create a robust barrier against the adjacent yard.
Efficient on-site soil removal executed with a dumper to ensure streamlined 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's 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.