French Drain Case Study: Effective Runoff Solutions in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a critical and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, which are situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and infiltrated beneath the house’s foundation. This water intrusion led to considerable damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and created conditions conducive to mould growth within the property, jeopardising recently completed renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

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

Creating an Effective Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and installed a gravity-driven French drain system, specifically tailored to gather and redirect water before it could reach the home’s foundation.

Key components of this project included:

A French drain system meticulously designed to capture both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently directing it via gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe that extended from the pit to the curb, featuring strategically placed drilled holes to ensure optimal water discharge.
Three new, 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 built along the boundary, using concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled by an excavator to create a sturdy barrier to retain the adjacent yard.
Timely soil removal on-site conducted with a dumper to ensure efficient management of the worksite.

What Practical Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

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