Addressing Water Ingress Challenges in Shellharbour

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

How Can You Identify Signs of Water Ingress?

The issue originated from both surface runoff and subsurface water flowing downhill from the back and side yards of adjacent properties. Without an effective drainage system to intercept this water, it inevitably flowed beneath the house.

Creating a Durable Drainage Solution

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 encompassed several crucial elements:

A French drain system specifically crafted to collect both surface and subsurface water from neighbouring properties, efficiently channeling it through gravity to a concrete pit.
A 100mm PVC pipe extending from the pit to the curb, featuring strategically placed holes in the curb to ensure optimal water discharge.
Three new, 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 built along the boundary, employing 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 onsite using a dumper to facilitate the smooth management of the worksite.

What Actions Can You Implement for Effective Water Management?

The newly installed system successfully 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.