French Drain Case Study: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a critical and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two neighbouring properties, situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and infiltrate beneath the house's foundation. This water intrusion caused extensive damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and encouraged mould growth within the property, jeopardising the recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Water Intrusion Symptoms?

The issue arose from both surface runoff and subsurface water travelling downhill from the back and side yards of adjacent properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably moved beneath the house.

Creating a Reliable Drainage Solution

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

This project included several vital components:

A French drain system meticulously engineered to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently guiding it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, equipped with strategically drilled holes 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 firm barrier to hold back the adjacent yard.
Effective soil removal on-site performed with a dumper to ensure streamlined management of the worksite.

What Effective Measures Can You Implement for Water Management?

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