French Drain Case Study: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a severe and worsening situation involving 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 water intrusion caused considerable damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and facilitated 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 moved 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 involved several crucial components:

A French drain system specifically designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from surrounding properties, efficiently directing it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, equipped 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, 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 excavated to create a robust barrier that holds back the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal on-site carried out with a dumper to ensure smooth management of the worksite.

What Measures Can You Implement for Efficient Water Management?

The newly installed system 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.