French Drain Case Study: Effective Runoff Solutions in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a serious and worsening problem with water ingress. Water originating 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 encouraged mould growth within the property, jeopardising recent renovations.

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Intrusion?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the back and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without a suitable drainage solution to intercept this water, it naturally travelled 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 included several key elements:

A French drain system specifically designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from adjacent properties, efficiently channelling it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, featuring strategically drilled holes to ensure 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 robust barrier against the adjacent yard.
Effective on-site soil removal conducted with a dumper to ensure efficient worksite management.

What Measures Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

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