West Jordan Foundation Pros logoWest Jordan Foundation ProsFoundation Repair · West Jordan, UT
French Drains photo

West Jordan Foundation Pros

French Drains in Salt Lake City, UT

French drain installation in Salt Lake City: perforated pipe and gravel drainage systems, free estimates.

  • 15+ Years local experience
  • 500+ Projects completed
  • Licensed & Insured

Serving West Jordan and nearby communities.

Standing water near the foundation after every storm or snowmelt. That's the problem a french drain is built to solve, by moving the water somewhere else before it ever reaches the wall.

French drain installation redirects groundwater away from the foundation to relieve hydrostatic pressure. Given how many Salt Lake City homes have full basements, a french drain is often the companion fix that makes interior waterproofing last. West Jordan Foundation Pros grades the drainage path first, since an incorrectly sloped drain just moves the water problem a few feet instead of solving it.

What's included

What's included with French Drains

Typically included: Optional: Customer prep:

  • Grading assessment and trench layout
  • Perforated pipe and gravel backfill install
  • Discharge point routing away from the home
  • Catch basin addition for surface water collection
  • Tie-in with interior sump pump discharge
  • Mark sprinkler lines or buried utilities you know about
  • Clear the planned trench path of landscaping

How it works

How our French Drains process works

  1. Drainage Assessment photo
    Step 1

    Drainage Assessment

    Water flow patterns are studied to determine the best drain path.

  2. Trench Excavation photo
    Step 2

    Trench Excavation

    A trench is dug along the planned drainage route.

  3. Gravel Base Placement photo
    Step 3

    Gravel Base Placement

    A gravel layer is added to promote proper water flow.

  4. Pipe Installation photo
    Step 4

    Pipe Installation

    Perforated piping is placed to capture and redirect water.

  5. Backfill And Cover photo
    Step 5

    Backfill And Cover

    The trench is filled with gravel and soil to complete the system.

  6. Outlet Testing photo
    Step 6

    Outlet Testing

    Water flow is tested to confirm proper drainage direction.

Materials

Materials and methods for French Drains

  • Perforated Drain Pipe photo

    Perforated Drain Pipe

    Collects and channels groundwater away from the structure, sized for spring runoff volume.

  • Gravel Aggregate photo

    Gravel Aggregate

    Surrounds the pipe to facilitate water movement and filtration.

  • Filter Fabric photo

    Filter Fabric

    Prevents soil from clogging the drainage system over time.

  • Outlet Cap photo

    Outlet Cap

    Directs discharged water safely away from the foundation.

  • Catch Basin photo

    Catch Basin

    Collects surface water and channels it into the drain system.

  • Backfill Soil photo

    Backfill Soil

    Restores the trench area after pipe installation is complete.

Timeline

How long does a French Drains take?

Length of the drain run is the main factor in scheduling.

  1. 01

    Grading assessment

    same day
  2. 02

    Trenching

    1 day
  3. 03

    Pipe and gravel install

    1–2 days
  4. 04

    Backfill and discharge testing

    same day

Need a schedule that fits?

Get a Free Estimate

Before & after

Before and after French Drains

  • French Drains photo
    Before
  • French Drains photo
    After

FAQs

French Drains FAQs

How much does French drain installation cost around a basement foundation?

Cost depends on drain length, trench depth, and whether it's interior or exterior placement. Exterior runs along a full foundation perimeter cost more than a short interior drain tile tie-in.

Why does my basement wall leak every spring after the snow melts?

Without a drainage path, snowmelt saturates the soil right against your foundation. A french drain intercepts that water before it builds pressure against the wall.

Do I need a permit for a french drain?

Exterior drainage work may need a permit depending on scope and how close the discharge point sits to a property line. Check with your local jurisdiction.

Can I install a french drain myself?

Incorrect grading or pipe slope is the most common reason a DIY french drain fails. A pro lays out the slope and discharge point so the water actually moves away from the house instead of pooling at the low end.

When should I call about drainage?

Standing water near the foundation after rain or snowmelt, or basement dampness that keeps coming back, are both good reasons to get the grading looked at.

Next step

Get a French Drains estimate in Salt Lake City

Call West Jordan Foundation Pros at +1 (385) 249-2801 to schedule a drainage assessment. Back to Home or see Basement Waterproofing.

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Ask about French Drains

Tell us about the project and how to reach you.

Call (385) 249-2801