Highland Foundation Pros
French Drains in Highland, UT
French drain installation in Highland, UT to redirect snowmelt runoff away from your foundation. Free estimates, trenching and pipe work done right.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving Highland and nearby communities.
Why does water keep pooling against your foundation every time the snow melts? On Highland's sloped bench lots, runoff often has nowhere to go but toward the house unless the yard is graded and drained properly. Highland Foundation Pros installs French drains to intercept that water and route it away from the foundation before it turns into a bigger problem.
A French drain pairs naturally with basement waterproofing, since redirecting water at the surface takes pressure off whatever sealing or drainage work is happening at the wall itself.
What's included
What's included with French Drains
Typically included: grade and drainage assessment, trench excavation along the water path, perforated pipe and gravel bed installation, discharge point setup.
Optional: catch basin at a low point, tie-in to an existing downspout system, sod or landscaping restoration after backfill.
Customer prep: mark sprinkler lines or buried utilities you're aware of, clear the planned trench path of furniture, planters, or yard decor.
Want a clearer scope?
Get a Free EstimateMaterials
Materials and methods for French Drains
A properly built drain depends on the right pipe, bedding, and discharge setup, not just a ditch in the yard.
Perforated Drain Pipe
Collects and channels groundwater away from the structure, sized to the volume of runoff on your lot.
Gravel Aggregate
Surrounds the pipe to facilitate water movement and filtration, which matters where Highland's clay soils slow drainage.
Filter Fabric
Prevents soil from clogging the drainage system over time, extending the life of the drain.
Outlet Cap
Directs discharged water safely away from the foundation at a point where it won't just run back toward the house.
Catch Basin
Collects surface water and channels it into the drain system at low spots in the yard.
Backfill Soil
Restores the trench area after pipe installation is complete, graded to keep water moving the right direction.
Questions on materials?
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.
Timeline
How long does a French Drains installation take?
- 01
Site assessment and estimate
same day - 02
Trenching and pipe placement
1 dayfor a typical run
- 03
Backfill and grading
same dayfollowing install
- 04
Landscaping restoration
1–2 daysif sod or plantings are involved
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateCodes & permits
Permits and codes for French Drains
Rules on drainage tie-ins vary by jurisdiction. Check with Utah County or your city before digging near a right-of-way.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| French drain systems tying into municipal storm drainage | Simple yard-contained French drains discharging on the property |
| Drainage work crossing or affecting a public right-of-way | Drain runs that don't connect to any city system |
Need help with permits?
Get a Free EstimateDIY vs pro
DIY vs hiring a pro for French Drains
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Clearing an existing drain outlet of debris | Trenching at the correct slope to actually move water downhill |
| Adding a splash block under a downspout | Tying drainage into an existing waterproofing system |
| Minor regrading of soil away from the foundation | Any drain crossing near utility lines or a property line |
Not sure DIY vs pro?
Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to call for French Drains
Call Highland Foundation Pros for a free estimate on redirecting water before it reaches your foundation.
- Standing water near the foundation after snowmelt or heavy rain
- A consistently soggy section of yard that never seems to dry out
- Water pooling at the base of a window well
- A basement that stays damp during spring runoff
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and after French Drains
Before 
After
FAQs
French Drain FAQs
How much does a French drain cost in Highland?
Cost depends mainly on the length of the drain run, trench depth, and distance to a safe discharge point. A free estimate gives you a number specific to your yard.
Will a French drain stop my basement from being damp?
It helps by keeping surface water from reaching the foundation in the first place, but if water is already getting through the wall, pair it with basement waterproofing for a complete fix.
How deep does a French drain need to be?
Depth depends on the water source and grade, typically deep enough to intercept water before it reaches the foundation footing.
Can a French drain be installed without destroying my landscaping?
Trenching does disturb the ground along the drain path. We can restore sod or plantings afterward, though some disruption during the dig is unavoidable.
Do French drains need maintenance?
Occasional checks of the outlet point to make sure it's clear of debris or sediment buildup are a good idea, especially after heavy snowmelt seasons.
Is a French drain the same as a sump pump system?
No. A French drain redirects water at the surface or shallow subsurface level, while a sump pump removes water that's already collected inside a basement. They often work together.
Next step
Get a French Drain estimate in Highland
Call (435) 701-4021 or request a free estimate. Highland Foundation Pros will walk your yard and map out where the water's actually coming from.
More services
Other Foundation Repair services
Foundation Repair
Foundation repair in Highland, UT covering crack injection, piering, underpinning, and wall stabilization, with free estimates.
Piering and Underpinning
Helical and push pier underpinning for sloped bench-lot homes. Free estimates, written scope before any drilling.
Wall Stabilization
Bowing basement wall repair using carbon fiber straps or steel anchors. Free estimates, methods matched to the problem.
Ask about French Drains
Tell us about the project and how to reach you.