French Drain Solutions: Managing Runoff in Shellharbour

Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

In Shellharbour, a homeowner encountered a serious and worsening problem with water ingress. Water from two adjacent properties, situated at a higher elevation, began to flow into their garden and seep beneath the foundation of the house. This intrusion of water caused extensive damage to the flooring, promoted rising damp, and resulted in 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 rear and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably flowed 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 foundation of the home.

This project incorporated several crucial elements:

A French drain system meticulously engineered to collect both surface and subsurface water from adjacent properties, efficiently directing 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 for optimal water discharge.
Three newly installed, larger-diameter Colorbond metal downpipes, replacing the original smaller versions, linked to new 100mm PVC piping that leads 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.
Efficient soil removal on-site was performed using a dumper, ensuring streamlined management of the worksite.

What Actions Can You Implement for Effective 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 reliable, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.