French Drain Solutions for Runoff Management in Shellharbour

Tackling Water Ingress Issues in Shellharbour

A homeowner in Shellharbour faced a significant and escalating issue with water ingress. Rainwater from two neighbouring properties, situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into the yard and infiltrate beneath the house's foundation. This unwelcome intrusion resulted in damage to the flooring, fostered rising damp, and led to mould growth within the property, threatening the integrity of recent renovations.

How Can You Identify the Source of Water Ingress?

The problem stemmed from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the rear and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without a robust drainage system to intercept this influx, the water was compelled to flow beneath the house.

Creating a Robust Drainage Solution

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

The project included several essential components:

A French drain system meticulously designed to collect surface and subsurface water from adjoining properties, guiding 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 ensure efficient discharge.
Three new, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes replacing the original smaller pipes, 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 form a sturdy barrier to hold back the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal on-site, facilitated by a dumper for streamlined site management.

What Steps Can You Take for Effective Water Management?

The newly implemented drainage system now effectively captures both surface and subsurface water at the property boundary, ensuring it is diverted away from the home. This solution provides the homeowner with a durable, low-maintenance option that safeguards their foundation, flooring, and the investment made in renovations.