French Drain Case Study: Effective Runoff Solutions in Shellharbour

Resolving Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a significant and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, positioned at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and seep underneath the house's foundation. This water intrusion not only caused serious damage to the flooring but also led to 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 an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably travelled beneath the house.

Creating a Reliable 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 incorporated several critical components:

A French drain system specifically designed to collect both surface and subsurface water from adjacent 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 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, employing concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to create a sturdy barrier against the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal conducted on-site with a dumper to streamline worksite management.

What Effective Strategies 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 has secured a robust, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.