How to stop roots growing into our house and water ingress?

[lpr2468]

We moved into our house in 2019 and on 2 occasions since then our lounge room has flooded during heavy rain / cyclonic weather over 5 days. We really want to try and avoid this happening again! We think the rain comes in because right next to the house are 2 garden beds. Until recently, one of the garden beds had 3 camellia trees. It has taken us weeks to get to the stage in the photos as camellia roots are as hard as steel and they have grown into the brick wall and under the concrete. We think the best thing to do is to lay crusher dust, then sand then pebbles. However the concrete already down seems to cover half the weepholes for a short distance. Are we OK to go ahead with our plans for a pebble garden or should we take up the concrete which is half way up the weepholes? Should we seal the wall before filling with drainage gravel? How deep do we need to dig? 

 

 

[AlanM52]

Hello @lpr2468,

That's a serious amount of water coming in, I would halt the project and raid the piggy bank to call in someone like a drainage plumber to inspect and advise. Maybe those roots have caused water damage away from the house and the water is pooling there?

The other option is to line the back of the garden bed with boards secured with star pickets so you can tidy up to make it look respectable.

Then just sit and wait for a similar weather event and check what's happening in the trench.

Cheers

[JacobZ]

Hi @lpr2468,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I'm sorry to hear that you have had ongoing issues with water ingress at your property.

If you are getting considerable flooding, then there is likely more than one issue that will need to be addressed and I would put a hold on the project until those issues are dealt with.

Considering the extent of the issue, as @AlanM52 has said, I would suggest it is likely worth getting a drainage plumber out to inspect things.

It seems likely that the height of the concrete around the house would be an issue. If the weepholes are covered, this means the concrete is also above the height of the dampcourse, meaning any water that runs up to the house during rain events can wick into and through those bricks. Without looking at the property myself, it seems likely that some landscaping would need to be done to reduce the height of the concrete and possibly the natural soil around your property so it sits lower.

You may also need to look into installing suitable drainage around the perimeter of the house so water is not able to pool against it. Heavy rains happen, so equipping your house to manage that eventuality is definitely in your best interests.

Hopefully, the issue is not as bad as it sounds, but it definitely seems like something you should have a professional out to inspect.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @lpr2468 

Its very surprising that due to some of the key points your have mentioned, water ingress hasn't been a common occurrence. Regardless the two most important things that need addressing are:

1. The covered weep holes within the brickwork.

2. The tree roots that have grown within the brickwork and under the concrete path.

I would regard these issues as serious and need priority and proper attention.

1. You may need to consider cutting the concrete path and remove sections. Then re-grade the ground accounting for a redirected 100mm of concrete path accordingly so that the weep holes are a min 50mm (regulated clearance height).

2. With the roots cut and stump/s removed the roots can't cause further damage. However the ingress points to the house brickwork will need to be addressed. Something like removing the bricks to access and remove the roots, then re-establish the brickwork should be considered.

I would be more inclined to get the advice of a domestic building engineer over a plumber as there are several considerations outside a plumbers expertise.  An engineer's first hand inspection will also provide a more accurate course of action in this case due to there variables.

Regards Nailbag

[lpr2468]

Thank you for your reply.

[lpr2468]

Thank Jacob, it is our worst fear that the concrete will have to come up. It is not easy to get someone to do this kind of job and I am not sure how we will go with a jackhammer. 

[lpr2468]

Yes, I agree even though it's hard to hear. The weep holes are only half-covered for about 50 cm so there is some ventilation. No sign of the damp proof course from outside. The house was orginally built in 1983 in QLD. We are asking for the Building and Plumbing Inspection Report from the Council to see its specifications. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lpr2468,

Fingers crossed that it is not too bad, but it is certainly going to be worth having it assessed.

Hopefully they will be able to provide a solution that is not too difficult to take.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @lpr2468 

Pretty much late to the party And the crew really have pointed out most things I could think of.

Keeping soil off the edge of the house is something to consider.

Drainage from the garden beds next to the house is definently an idea as if you have clay under the garden then they are just big ponds that seem to soak towards your house.

As you have removed so much material I would be tempted to wait for rain and see what happens plus how long the "ponds" take to drain and if you get any water inside the house.

Dave

[lpr2468]

Hi Dave, so that was one of our options, to put drainage mat down then drainage gravel down the channel we have dug to stop the water collecting in the clay soil we have. I know my husband will like your answer compared to bringing up the concrete...