In Marrickville, a block of units was facing serious challenges due to water ingress, largely because the property lacked adequate stormwater drains. Recognising the critical need to address this issue, our team was tasked with installing new, sufficiently sized strip drains to effectively manage and redirect stormwater away from the building structures.
What Work Was Completed
To tackle the water ingress problem, our first step involved the removal of approximately 6 square meters of existing concrete, which was crucial to access the underlying area for the new drainage system.
After clearing the space, we installed high-capacity strip drains designed to handle significant volumes of water. These drains were strategically placed to capture and redirect water flow away from the building, preventing any future ingress.
Warning Signs of Water Ingress on a Building
Water ingress can pose serious threats to the structural integrity of a building if not addressed promptly. Recogniing the early signs of this issue is crucial to preventing extensive damage and costly repairs. Here are the key indicators that your building might be experiencing water ingress:
- Damp Patches on Walls or Ceilings: These often appear as dark or discolored spots, indicating that water is accumulating within or seeping through the structure.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Excess moisture can cause wall coverings to lose adhesion, resulting in peeling or blistering.
- Mould Growth: Mould thrives in moist environments, and its presence can be a clear sign of water penetration, particularly in hidden areas like behind furniture or in rarely accessed rooms.
- Musty Smells: Persistent musty odors, especially after rain, can indicate trapped moisture within the building.
- Efflorescence: White, powdery deposits on exterior walls suggest water is seeping through and evaporating, leaving mineral deposits behind.
- Cracking or Bowing of Walls: Water ingress can weaken structural materials, leading to visible deformities in walls.
Other Signs Your Property’s Drainage System Is Not Working Properly
A properly functioning drainage system is essential for protecting your property from water damage and maintaining its structural integrity. Here are some signs that your property’s drainage system may be failing:
- Water Pooling Around the Foundation: If water accumulates near the base of your building after rain, it’s a sign that the drainage is not effectively directing water away from the structure.
- Overflowing Gutters: Gutters that overflow during rainstorms can indicate clogs or insufficient capacity, leading to improper water diversion.
- Soggy or Waterlogged Ground: Persistent wetness in the yard, especially near drainage outlets, suggests that the system is not adequately draining water away from the property.
- Erosion Near Downspouts: If you notice erosion or trenches forming around downspouts, it means the water is not being channeled far enough away from the building.
- Backflow of Water: Water backing up from drains inside the property during heavy rains can indicate a serious problem with the drainage system’s capacity or function.
Why Strip Drains are So Important
Strip drains play a pivotal role in effective stormwater management, particularly in urban settings where impermeable surfaces are common. These drains are designed to capture and redirect surface water, significantly reducing the risk of water ingress and the associated damage to structures. Here’s why integrating strip drains into your property is essential:
- Efficient Water Collection: Strip drains cover more surface area than traditional point drains, leading to more efficient water collection and redirection.
- Prevention of Water Accumulation: By effectively managing surface water, strip drains prevent water from pooling around critical areas, such as foundations and basements.
- Versatility in Application: These drains can be installed in a variety of settings, from residential driveways to commercial landscapes, making them highly adaptable to different needs.
- Aesthetic Integration: Strip drains can be seamlessly integrated into paved areas or landscapes without disrupting the aesthetic or functional use of the space.Benefits of Proper Stormwater Management
Proper stormwater management is crucial not only for maintaining the structural integrity of properties but also for promoting environmental sustainability. Here are the benefits of effectively managing stormwater:
- Reduces Risk of Flooding: Properly designed and maintained stormwater systems prevent excessive water accumulation that can lead to flooding, protecting properties and surrounding infrastructure.
- Minimises Erosion: By controlling the flow and dispersion of stormwater, these systems reduce the potential for soil erosion, which can damage landscapes and foundations.
- Protects Water Quality: Effective stormwater management helps filter out pollutants before they enter waterways, contributing to cleaner rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Enhances Property Value: Properties with well-managed stormwater systems are less prone to water damage, thereby maintaining or increasing their market value.
- Supports Biodiversity: By managing runoff and maintaining natural hydrological cycles, these systems support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Who Worked on the Job
Plumbers Sam and Jed.
Location of the Job
Marrickville, Inner West of Sydney.
Images from the job:
