Lehi Foundation Pros
French Drain Installation in Lehi, UT
French drain installation in Lehi redirects spring runoff away from your foundation with a graded trench system, free estimates.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving Lehi and nearby communities.
Pooling water near the foundation after rain or a damp basement wall every spring usually comes down to one thing: water isn't moving away from the house fast enough. A French drain cuts a graded trench and buries perforated pipe to intercept that water and redirect it before it ever reaches the wall, which is a different fix than the interior drain tile used inside a basement.
Lehi Foundation Pros calculates the grade before digging, since a trench without the right slope just sends water right back toward the house.
What's included
What's Included with French Drains
- Typically included — drainage assessment, trench excavation, gravel base, perforated pipe installation, backfill and outlet testing.
- Optional — catch basin for surface water collection, extended outlet run to a safe discharge point.
- Customer prep — clear landscaping or sprinkler lines along the planned trench path before work starts.
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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 and channels groundwater away from the structure, sized for the runoff volume typical around Lehi's newer subdivisions.
Gravel Aggregate
Surrounds the pipe to facilitate water movement and filtration through clay-heavy soil.
Filter Fabric
Prevents soil from clogging the drainage system over time so flow stays consistent year after year.
Outlet Cap
Directs discharged water safely away from the foundation at the end of the run.
Catch Basin
Collects surface water and channels it into the drain system before it can pool.
Backfill Soil
Restores the trench area after pipe installation, graded to match the surrounding yard.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateCost
What Does a French Drain Cost in Lehi?
Cost depends on trench length, depth, and how far the outlet needs to run.
| Project type | Typical range | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Short perimeter run | $1,200–$3,000, | 20-40 feet along one problem area. |
| Standard perimeter drain | $3,000–$6,500, | full-length run along a vulnerable foundation side. |
| Extended run with catch basin | $5,000–$9,000, | added surface water collection and longer outlet distance. |
These are typical local ballparks — final cost depends on scope, materials, and site conditions. A free estimate gives you an accurate, itemized number for your home.
Want a number for your home?
Get a Free EstimateNext step
Get a free estimate after an assessment of your actual drainage pattern.
Codes & permits
Permits and Codes for French Drains
Confirm with Lehi City if your outlet connects to a public storm system.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| Drain systems tied into city stormwater infrastructure | Standard yard French drain installation discharging to a safe area on the property |
| — | Trench excavation for drainage on private property not connected to municipal systems |
Need help with permits?
Get a Free EstimateDIY vs pro
DIY vs Hiring a Pro for French Drains
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Extending downspouts a few extra feet away from the foundation as a quick interim step. | Digging and grading the trench itself, since an incorrect slope sends water right back toward the house instead of away from it. |
| Observing where water actually pools after rain to help identify the problem area. | Tying into any existing drainage or stormwater system. |
Not sure DIY vs pro?
Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to Call for French Drains
Call Lehi Foundation Pros for a free drainage assessment.
- Water pooling near the foundation after rain or snowmelt.
- A damp basement wall that shows up every spring despite other repairs.
- Standing water in the yard that takes days to drain.
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and After French Drains
Before 
After
FAQs
French Drains FAQs
What causes hydrostatic pressure against basement walls in spring?
Snowmelt and rain saturate the soil around the foundation, and that saturated soil pushes against basement walls until it finds a crack. A French drain intercepts that water before it builds up pressure.
How much does a French drain cost in Lehi?
Cost depends on trench length, depth, and outlet distance. A written estimate after an on-site assessment gives you an accurate range.
How long does French drain installation take?
A standard perimeter run is usually completed in one day.
Do I need a permit for a French drain?
Standard yard drainage usually doesn't need a permit unless it ties into a city stormwater system.
Can I install a French drain myself?
You can dig a trench, but getting the slope right so water actually flows away from the house instead of back toward it takes grading calculation most DIY attempts get wrong.
How does a French drain differ from basement waterproofing?
A French drain handles exterior surface and groundwater before it reaches the foundation. Basement waterproofing, like interior drain tile, manages water that's already made it inside.
More services
Other Foundation Repair services
Foundation Repair
Foundation repair in Lehi: crack injection, piering, and wall correction with written estimates and free inspections.
Piering and Underpinning
Steel push piers and helical piers stabilize settling Lehi foundations, with free written estimates and permit handling.
Wall Stabilization
Basement wall stabilization in Lehi using steel anchors and carbon fiber straps to stop bowing from hydrostatic pressure.
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