Stormwater Upgrade & Sunken Front Porch Slab Remediation – South Melbourne

We successfully managed the remediation of a failed stormwater system that had caused private front porch slabs to sink, including the installation of new stormwater pits and strip drains.

Our structured approach ensured correct diagnosis through engineering and CCTV investigation, a fully reinstated drainage system, and improved access to connection points for future maintenance.

This stormwater upgrade and slab remediation project in South Melbourne, VIC involved CCTV pipe investigation, resolving undocumented gas and sewer connections, and staging works to keep residents in their homes.

Plumbing & Drainage

South Melbourne, VIC

What We Managed

Leak Investigation

Identified the source of water ingress and developed a targeted remediation plan.

Project Coordination

Managed planning, remedial engineering design, scope of works, contractor tendering, and compliance from start to finish.

Waterproofing & Repairs

Removed large trees from planter boxes, removed old bitumen waterproofing, created proper falls, installed high-quality waterproofing to podium and planter boxes, and reinstated planter boxes with soil for landscaping.

Final Inspection

Verified waterproofing effectiveness and completed defects checks.

TitleDescription

Investigation

Carried out an engineering investigation and an extensive CCTV survey with a qualified plumbing company to determine why the front porch slabs were sinking and to locate the defective stormwater pipes.

Project Coordination

Managed planning, the CCTV and engineering investigations, remedial engineering design, scope of works, contractor tendering, and compliance from start to finish.

Stormwater Upgrade & Slab Remediation

Demolished the old sunken front porch slabs and reinstated new porches, excavated and replaced the defective stormwater pipes, installed new stormwater pits for easier future access, and added strip drains through the walkway to reduce water pooling.

Inspections

Carried out multiple on-site inspections with the engineer and independently, verifying the works against standard and design at every key milestone.

The Challenge

Private front porch slabs had begun to sink, and the cause was not visible from the surface. A defective stormwater system was suspected, but it had to be proven before the owners corporation committed to a scope.

The investigation uncovered two problems that had not been documented. There was no main gas valve where one should have been, and a sewer line had been incorrectly connected into a stormwater pipe.

Both discoveries had to be resolved before the porch demolition could proceed safely, all while residents continued to use the affected entrances daily.

Challenges & Solutions

Every project presents unique obstacles. Here’s how we tackled the key challenges on this remediation project.
ChallengeChallenge DescriptionOur Solution
Undocumented Gas Valve

No main gas valve existed on site, which was required for safe demolition of the front porches.

Coordinated with the gas company to have a valve installed, absorbing the delay into the programme rather than compromising site safety.

Incorrect Sewer Connection

A sewer line was found connected into a stormwater pipe.

Disconnected and remediated the connection immediately, correcting a defect that would have caused ongoing problems.

Hidden Root Cause

Sinking slabs with no visible cause at surface level.

Combined an engineering investigation with an extensive CCTV pipe survey to confirm the defect before any scope was locked in.

Occupied Residences

Works affected private front porches and walkway access.

Scheduled works efficiently to maintain resident access, with consistent communication throughout.

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