French Drain Case Study: Runoff Management in Shellharbour

Tackling Water Ingress Issues in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner faced a severe and escalating issue with water ingress. Water from two nearby properties at a higher elevation started to flow into their garden and seep beneath the foundation of the house. This water intrusion resulted in significant damage to the flooring, encouraged rising damp, and fostered mould growth within the property, putting recent renovations at risk.

What are the Signs of Water Intrusion?

The problem stemmed from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the back and side yards of adjacent properties. Without a proper drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably travelled beneath the house.

Designing a Robust Drainage System

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

This project included several essential components:

A French drain system specifically engineered to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring 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 facilitate optimal water discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, connected to new 100mm PVC piping leading to the curb.
A 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 to hold back the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal on-site conducted with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Steps Can You Take for Efficient Water Management?

The newly installed system now efficiently 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 protects the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.