Overview
Colleen, Fiona, and Deb, neighbouring residents at three units in Broadmeadows, were facing severe structural issues due to faulty stormwater and drainage systems. The compromised drainage had led to sinking foundations and internal damage across all three units. Our team was engaged to assess, diagnose, and rectify these issues, which had caused significant concern for the homeowners.
Project Summary
Through multiple site visits and thorough investigative work, we identified the root causes of the damage. After detailed CCTV inspections, we discovered significant blockages, root intrusions, and incorrect connections within the stormwater system. It was revealed that stormwater from all properties was incorrectly connected to a reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) under Unit 2’s backyard, which exacerbated the damage.
Understanding the severity of the situation, we developed a comprehensive plan to replace the entire stormwater system and address specific issues in each unit. The objective was to restore proper water flow, prevent further foundation damage, and ensure the long-term stability of the properties.
Introduction
At Heritage Plumbing Group, our dedication to solving complex plumbing challenges was put to the test in a recent project in Broadmeadows. We were tasked with a comprehensive overhaul of the stormwater system across the three properties. This wasn’t just a repair job-it was a critical intervention to protect the structural integrity of the homes and provide long-term peace of mind to the property owners. The scale of this project, spanning 2.5 weeks and involving extensive investigative and repair measures, highlights the depth of expertise and commitment our team brings to every job.
Project Overview and Challenges
The Broadmeadows project began when Colleen, a return client from 2020, contacted us in June 2023 with concerns about her home’s foundation. Her house showed signs of sinking, and she suspected the stormwater system might be compromised. Our initial CCTV inspection, led by our experienced plumber, James, revealed a range of serious issues: significant root intrusion, sediment blockages, and incorrect installations that had compromised the entire stormwater drainage system.
The existing stormwater system was not only outdated but also incorrectly installed. The legal point of discharge (LPOD) was non-compliant, leading to water running under the foundations. This accumulation had caused damage to the foundations of the homes, particularly between units 2 and 3, where root intrusion was most severe.
Detailed Work and Solutions
Understanding the gravity of the situation, we embarked on a full-scale replacement of the stormwater system. We replaced the entire stormwater system with durable PVC drains, designed to withstand future wear and tear. The old stormwater pits were replaced with concrete pits, each fitted with heavy-duty steel grates to ensure long-term durability.
Our team excavated the ground to remove the existing, faulty drains and carefully installed new 150mm PVC stormwater drains. These drains were laid with precise laser leveling to ensure the correct invert levels, crucial for adequate water flow and drainage.
Each of the three units had specific issues that required tailored solutions. For instance, in Unit 1, we replaced stormwater pipes, cleared blockages, and fixed faults in the water and gas lines. In Units 1 and 2, we dismantled and reinstated the front fence (we also reinstated the back fence of Units 2 and 3) to access and repair the stormwater pipes, ensuring the work was done without compromising the property’s integrity. For Unit 3, we dealt with severe root intrusion and corrected dislodged connections, ensuring proper stormwater drainage away from the property.
We installed inspection openings at every downpipe connecting to the stormwater system to facilitate future maintenance and prevent similar issues from reoccurring. This allows for easy access for future maintenance and monitoring, ensuring that any potential future problems can be addressed swiftly and efficiently.
The project required concrete wet saw cutting and removing significant concrete sections to access and install the new pipes. Our team handled this with care, ensuring that all debris was removed and the site was left clean and orderly. Where necessary, we used jackhammers to break through tough areas, making sure the job was done thoroughly.
How Our Work Resolved the Issues
The work we completed addressed the root causes of the problems that had laid dormant in the properties for years. By replacing the entire stormwater system, we eliminated the risk of future blockages and water accumulation that could further damage the foundations. The new system was designed to comply with with all current Australian standards and regulations (AS3500), ensuring that the water now flows correctly to the designated discharge points, thereby protecting the properties from future water damage.
Moreover, by addressing the faults in the water and gas lines, we not only improved the stormwater system but also enhanced the overall safety and functionality of the homes. These additional repairs were critical in preventing potential hazards and ensuring that the properties were made compliant with Australian standards of plumbing.
Benefits of Our Work
The new stormwater system protects the foundations of the homes from water damage and movement, which was a major concern for the property owners. By resolving the drainage issues, we have significantly extended the lifespan of the structures.
The new system is fully compliant with current standards, eliminating any legal risks associated with improper installations. Additionally, we can issue a certificate of compliance from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), giving the property owners peace of mind knowing their homes are protected from future stormwater issues.
By upgrading the stormwater system, making it compliant, and addressing other critical repairs, the value of the properties has increased. Prospective buyers will appreciate the investment in long-term infrastructure, knowing that they won’t haveto deal with these issues down the line.
The installation of inspection openings and the use of durable materials ensure that the system is easy to maintain and resilient against future problems. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of emergency repairs and costly interventions in the future.
Conclusion
This complete stormwater renewal project in Broadmeadows was a significant undertaking that demonstrated Heritage Plumbing Group’s ability to manage large-scale, complex plumbing challenges with precision and professionalism. Our team not only resolved the immediate issues but also provided long-term solutions that will protect these homes for years to come.
For homeowners facing similar issues, this project is a clear demonstration of our capability to deliver comprehensive, effective solutions. At Heritage Plumbing Group, we are more than just a plumbing service-our knowledge and experience will aid in protecting and enhancing your property. If you are looking for a reliable, professional, and experienced plumbing company to handle your stormwater and drainage needs, Heritage Plumbing Group is the name you can trust. We are committed to deliveri ng exceptional results, every time.
Your trusted local plumber,
Heritage Plumbing Group
Frequently Asked Questions: Feedback from James & Lukas on the Cooper Street
Q1. What were your biggest challenges during the Broadmeadows stormwater project, and how did you overcome them?
It took a lot of investigation to determine the possible causes of a sinking foundation issue here.
After attempting repairs at a surface level and unblocking some drains suffering from severe tree root intrusion, we still had movement in the foundations.
These repairs had a negligible effect on the structure and subsistence problems, so steps were taken to inspect, locate and map out exactly where the stormwater drainage system ran between three townhouses.
We had to understand what could be causing water to undermine the driveway and houses, causing severe cracking and shifting of the structures.
Using CCTV and a locator, we quickly determined that the drains in the ground had multiple issues.
Q2. Can you describe a key moment or decision during the project that significantly impacted its success?
Having mapped out the location and depth of all stormwater drains, it was determined that the engineer’s drawings were not followed at the construction stage. This allowed us to formulate a plan to rectify the issue and carry on seamlessly.
Q3. How did the team work together to ensure the project was completed efficiently and to a high standard?
From mapping out the site and location of existing services to creating new site plans. We liaised with our quoting team and stakeholders across three properties to ensure clear communication and timeframes were set. We all had roles to play and put in huge effort across quite a few days!
We worked overtime to ensure a quick turnaround with minimal disruption. The site was kept safe, and the surrounding area was accessible for the school over the road and those occupying adjoining properties.
The whole team, from apprentices, excavator operators, office staff, and even the bosses, rolled up their sleeves and put the effort in to ensure a smoothly delivered project.
We left the site cleaner than when we arrived, with four new stormwater pits, downpipe connections, and all-new stormwater drains. We also repaired damage to water and gas meters, which was caused by sinking foundations.
Q4. What are you most proud of regarding your work on this project?
Troubleshooting and mapping out problems with their stormwater drainage system. Getting the opportunity to step into a leading hand role for a few days.
Liaising directly with clients and stakeholders to ensure a positive and effective solution to their plumbing issues. I get a huge sense of satisfaction from a job well done and leaving our clients happy.
Q5. What were the biggest challenges of this project, and how did you overcome them?
To be honest this was a straight forward job from the get go. Not really any big stand out challenge’s other than tight access and residents using driveway which made up a large portion of where the scope of works took place. The other biggest challenge of any job is ensuring that it’s completed within the quoted amount of days. To ensure that it was, it required proper planning and a sequence of steps to ensure that the most amount of work is being achieved on any one day. This obviously changes once boys are taken off site to conduct other jobs elsewhere.
Q6.What were the most critical tasks you performed during this project?
In relation to this stormwater job, the most critical task was ensuring we could obtain “fall” from one end of the stormwater drain to the other. From the most furthest downpipe to the last pit. Again this could only be done acutely using a laser level, hoping that when you dig inbetween pit to pit there are no unforeseen obstacles ie other services, rock etc in the way. One other very critical task was ensuring that pedestrian access was given at all times to the residents of unit 3 who still needed to use the driveway to get to the street. This was their only access. All open trenches along driveway needed to be cautioned off and the concrete path free of debris to ensure safe passage.
Q7. How did the team collaborate to ensure the project was completed successfully?
Any medium to large job or one that is allocated to run for multiple weeks requires a “foreman” or at least a “leading hand” type of worker onsite overlooking every aspect of the project. Everyday is a new game plan. The “foreman“ sets out the days tasks to the others on site. Time is spent each morning with the boys going over exactly whats needed to be completed for any particular day and going over the steps so that the boys know what to start with and what the end result should look like.
Q8. What aspect of the project are you most proud of, and why?
Again this to me was a straightforward little job. Not much could have gone wrong providing the proper planning and coordination was followed. I’m proud that there were no incidents or injuries on site. This is for both staff and residents. There was no damage to properties or any existing services. With minimal site access due to skip bin in driveway, coordination was key to ensuring a safe and smooth running of the job. Most importantly I’m proud of the way the boys came each morning with the attitude of getting the job done.
Q9. How do you feel the work benefited the clients and improved their properties?
At this site there’s a big issue with movement of the land under each unit. Not sure if the footings and foundations were ever done correctly. Not helping the issue was the fact that the stormwater below ground was not sized properly or installed correctly. This resulted in water making its way under the units causing pretty significant damage to the walls and floors. I believe now with the work done there won’t be further stormwater issues to any of the properties moving forward.