French Drain Case Study: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In the picturesque region of Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a pressing and worsening issue with water ingress. Rainwater from two adjacent properties, situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the house's foundation. This unwelcome water intrusion caused considerable damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth within the home, jeopardising the integrity of recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Water Intrusion Problems?

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

Creating a Durable and Effective Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and implemented a gravity-fed French drain system aimed at capturing and redirecting water before it could compromise the foundation of the property.

This comprehensive project comprised several key components:

A French drain system specifically tailored to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channelling it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe that extends from the pit to the curb, complete with strategically drilled holes in the curb to enable optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes that replaced the original smaller versions, connecting 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 solid barrier against the adjacent yard.
Effective on-site soil removal undertaken with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Methods Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

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