Riverton Foundation Pros
French Drains in Draper, UT
French drain installation in Draper, UT redirects yard and foundation water with perforated pipe and gravel, with free estimates and fast trenching.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving Draper and nearby communities.
A French drain moves water away from the foundation at the surface and shallow-soil level, which is a different fix than interior waterproofing that handles water once it's already pushing against a wall. Draper yards graded on hillside fill often funnel runoff toward the house instead of away from it, especially after a heavy snowmelt season, and that's usually the trigger for a soggy yard patch or standing water near the foundation.
Riverton Foundation Pros maps the actual water path across the property before trenching, because a drain placed in the wrong spot just moves standing water to a different low point in the yard.
What's included
What's included with French Drains
Typically included: - Optional: Customer prep:
- Drainage pattern assessment across the yard — Trench excavation along the planned drain route -.
- Gravel bed and perforated pipe installation — Backfill, outlet routing, and flow testing.
- Catch basin installation at a specific low point
- Daylight or dry well outlet options
- Mark any sprinkler lines or buried utilities in the planned trench path
- Note where standing water collects after a typical rain
Want a clearer scope?
Get a Free EstimateHow it works
How our French Drains process works
Step 1Drainage Assessment
Water flow patterns are studied to determine the best drain path.
Step 2Trench Excavation
A trench is dug along the planned drainage route.
Step 3Gravel Base Placement
A gravel layer is added to promote proper water flow.
Step 4Pipe Installation
Perforated piping is placed to capture and redirect water.
Step 5Backfill And Cover
The trench is filled with gravel and soil to complete the system.
Step 6Outlet Testing
Water flow is tested to confirm proper drainage direction.
Materials
Materials and methods for French Drains
Perforated Drain Pipe
Collects groundwater along the trench and channels it to an outlet well away from the foundation.
Gravel Aggregate
Surrounds the pipe so water moves freely instead of getting trapped in dense clay soil.
Filter Fabric
Wraps the gravel bed to keep fine clay particles from clogging the pipe over time.
Outlet Cap
Directs discharged water to daylight or a dry well, away from the structure.
Catch Basin
Collects surface runoff at a specific low point before it reaches the drain line.
Backfill Soil
Restores the trench to grade once the system is tested and flowing.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateTimeline
How long does a French Drains installation take?
Most residential drain runs wrap up in a day or two.
- 01
Drainage assessment
same day - 02
Trenching and pipe install
1 dayfor a typical 50-100 foot run
- 03
Backfill and grade restoration
same dayfollows installation
- 04
Outlet testing
same dayafter the next rain or a hose test
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and after French Drains results
Before 
After
FAQs
French Drains FAQs
Why does my patio have standing water after rain?
Standing water usually means the ground around the patio doesn't slope away enough, or soil has settled and created a low spot that traps runoff. A French drain intercepts that water before it pools, while settled patio slabs may also need lifting to fix the slope itself.
How much does a French drain cost?
Cost tracks linear footage of trench more than anything else. A short run along one problem area costs less than a full-perimeter system tied into multiple outlets.
Do I need a permit for a French drain?
Standard yard drain runs usually don't need a permit. Work that changes grading near a property line or ties into a public storm system sometimes does, check with the city first if the drain runs close to the lot line.
Can I install a French drain myself?
A shallow drain for a minor wet spot is a doable weekend project if you get the slope right. Drains meant to protect a foundation need consistent fall along the whole run and a properly sized outlet, which is where DIY attempts commonly fail and the trench ends up clogging.
How is a French drain different from basement waterproofing?
A French drain manages water at the surface before it reaches the foundation. Basement waterproofing handles water that's already pushing against or through a wall. Many Draper homes benefit from both working together.
Next step
Get a French Drains estimate in Draper
Call Riverton Foundation Pros at +1 (385) 600-7881 or request a free estimate before the next rainy stretch.
More services
Other Foundation Repair services
Foundation Repair
Foundation repair in Draper, UT: crack injection, piering, and wall stabilization with free estimates.
Piering and Underpinning
Piering and underpinning in Draper, UT uses steel push or helical piers to stop foundation settlement, with free written estimates before any digging.
Wall Stabilization
Wall stabilization in Draper, UT uses steel anchors, carbon fiber straps, or I-beams to stop a bowing basement wall, with free estimates and written scope.
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