Provo Foundation Pros
French Drains in Provo, UT
French drain installation in Provo, UT: perforated piping and gravel drainage to redirect water from your foundation. Free estimate.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving Provo and nearby communities.
Patio pooling after a storm or a yard that stays soggy near the foundation usually means water has nowhere to go but down against the wall. French drains redirect that water before it builds up hydrostatic pressure, which is the same pressure that causes basement walls to bow after spring snowmelt near the Provo River.
Provo Foundation Pros installs french drains as perimeter systems or targeted runs depending on where water collects, tying them into existing downspouts and grading when it makes sense rather than treating drainage as an isolated add-on. It's often paired with waterproofing or crack repair since all three address the same underlying water problem from different angles.
What's included
What's Included with French Drains
Typically included: drainage assessment, trench excavation, gravel base and perforated pipe, backfill, outlet testing.
Optional: catch basin for surface water collection, tie-in to existing downspouts.
Customer prep: mark sprinkler lines and irrigation in the planned trench path.
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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 foundation along the trench run.
Gravel Aggregate
Surrounds the pipe to promote water movement and reduce soil clogging over time.
Filter Fabric
Prevents fine soil particles from clogging the drainage system, important in the mixed clay-sand soil near Provo's bench areas.
Outlet Cap
Directs discharged water safely away from the foundation and surrounding grade.
Catch Basin
Collects surface water from patios or low spots before channeling it into the drain system.
Backfill Soil
Restores the trench area and surface grade after pipe installation.
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How Long Does a French Drains Take?
Most residential runs finish in a single day unless the system is extensive.
- 01
Inspection and estimate
same day - 02
Trench excavation
half dayto full day, depending on run length
- 03
Pipe and gravel installation
same day - 04
Backfill and outlet test
same dayconfirms proper flow direction
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Get a Free EstimateCodes & permits
Permits and Codes for French Drains
Permit rules vary by jurisdiction. Verify specifics with Utah County or the city building department before work starts.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| Drainage systems discharging into a municipal storm system | Standard yard french drain installation on private property |
| Excavation near a shared property line or easement | Catch basin installation for surface water collection |
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What does a French Drain cost in Provo?
Cost depends on run length, soil conditions, and whether a catch basin is added.
| Project type | Typical range | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Short perimeter run | $800-$2,000, | single problem area. |
| Full perimeter french drain | $3,500-$8,000, | whole-foundation coverage. |
| Catch basin add-on | $400-$900 | per basin. |
| Downspout tie-in | $200-$500 | per connection. |
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.
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Get a Free EstimateNext step
Request a free estimate for your yard's exact layout.
DIY vs pro
DIY vs Hiring a Pro for French Drains
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Extending downspouts further from the foundation as a first step | Patio or yard areas that pool water after every rain |
| Regrading a small low spot in the yard with topsoil | Basement wall bowing or dampness tied to a drainage issue |
| — | Any system that needs to tie into existing underground utilities or municipal storm drains |
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Get a Free EstimateFrench Drains
How Do I Stop Water Pooling on My Patio After It Rains?
A patio that pools water usually needs either a regrade, a catch basin tied into a french drain, or both. The catch basin collects surface water at the low point and routes it through buried pipe to a safe discharge area, which solves the pooling at the source instead of just waiting for it to evaporate.
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Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to Call for French Drains
Call for a free estimate before standing water becomes a foundation issue.
- Water pools on a patio or walkway after every rain
- The yard near the foundation stays soggy for days after a storm
- A basement wall shows signs of moisture tied to poor exterior drainage
- Downspouts are dumping water right next to the foundation
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and After French Drains
Before 
After
FAQs
French Drains FAQs
How do I stop water pooling on my patio after it rains?
A catch basin tied into a french drain collects the water at the low point and routes it away through buried piping. Regrading alone sometimes helps but doesn't always solve persistent pooling.
How much does a french drain cost in Provo?
A short run for a single problem area runs $800-$2,000. A full perimeter system runs $3,500-$8,000 depending on yard size.
How long does french drain installation take?
Most residential installs finish in a single day, longer for full perimeter systems.
Do I need a permit for a french drain?
Standard yard drainage on private property usually doesn't need a permit. Tying into a municipal storm system typically does. Check with your city.
Can spring runoff near the Provo River make my drainage problem worse?
Yes. Saturated soil from snowmelt has less capacity to absorb additional rain, which is why drainage problems tend to show up or worsen in spring.
Is DIY french drain installation a good idea?
Simple downspout extensions are fine DIY work. A proper french drain needs correct slope and gravel bedding to actually move water, which is easy to get wrong without experience.
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