French Drain Case Study for Effective Runoff Management 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 infiltrate beneath the foundation of the house. 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 Water Intrusion Symptoms?

The issue arose from both surface runoff and groundwater flowing downhill from the back and side yards of neighbouring properties. Without an effective drainage solution to intercept this water, it inevitably found its way beneath the house.

Creating an Effective Drainage System

CS Plumbing designed and implemented a gravity-fed French drain system aimed at capturing and redirecting water before it could reach the home’s foundation.

This project featured several crucial components:

A French drain system specifically tailored 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 street 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 built along the boundary, utilising concrete sleepers and galvanised steel posts, with auger holes drilled using an excavator to create a robust barrier that holds back the adjacent yard.
Efficient soil removal managed on-site with a dumper to ensure smooth operation throughout the project.

Which Measures Ensure 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 durable, low-maintenance solution that safeguards the foundation, flooring, and their investment in renovations.