French Drains
Expert French Drains Installations in Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas
Water can do real damage when it doesn’t have a place to go. Whether you’re dealing with standing water near your foundation or soggy lawn areas that never dry out, proper drainage is key to protecting your property. That’s where a French drain system comes in.
At Thrive Landscape Services, we design and install French drains for homes and businesses across Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas. Our French drain installation team helps identify problem areas, plan the right drainage solution, and install systems that move water away from where it doesn’t belong.
What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from your home or landscape. The system works by collecting water through the gravel layer, then channeling it into the pipe, which carries it to a safe discharge area. These systems are especially useful in sloped yards, low-lying areas, and properties with poor natural drainage. When installed correctly, they work quietly and consistently behind the scenes.
How Do French Drains Work?
French drains use gravity and underground piping to manage water flow. The gravel allows water to flow through easily, while the buried pipe provides a controlled path for the water to move away from your home, foundation, or lawn.
This type of drain works well for managing water from roof runoff, patios, and lawn saturation. If you’ve been dealing with muddy areas or damp basements, a properly placed drain can make a big difference. To keep it working long term, regular inspections and occasional maintenance are key—especially if debris or root systems begin to interfere with flow.
French Drain Installation for Wet Yards & Foundations
Not every drainage issue is visible at a glance. That’s why our first step is a site evaluation. We look at slope, soil type, and water patterns across your property. From there, we design a French drain installation plan that fits the layout of your space.
Our team handles everything from trenching and pipe placement to gravel layering and surface restoration. We use durable materials and install drains to perform through Sandy’s seasonal changes. Here’s what a typical installation includes:
- Site evaluation and grading check
- Trench excavation and slope correction
- Perforated pipe placement with gravel fill
- Filter fabric and soil replacement to prevent clogs
How Deep Should a French Drain Be?
In most residential applications, a French drain should be between 18 and 24 inches deep. However, that depth can change depending on where the water is coming from and how much volume needs to be handled.
For foundation protection, the drain is often installed deeper—close to the base of the footing. In lawn drainage scenarios, it may be shallower, as long as the trench maintains a steady downward slope toward the outlet. Every yard is different, so we adjust the design based on local conditions and long-term performance.
French Drain vs. Trench Drain: What’s the Difference?
While they may sound similar, French drains and trench drains serve different purposes. French drains are installed underground and used to redirect groundwater. Trench drains, on the other hand, are surface-level systems that use a grate and channel to collect water from driveways, patios, or paved areas. If you’re deciding between a French drain vs. trench drain, the choice depends on whether you’re dealing with surface runoff or subsurface saturation.
- French Drain: Ideal for soggy lawns, basements, and slow-draining soil
- Trench Drain: Best for collecting runoff on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt
Trusted French Drain Contractors in Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas
Choosing the right contractor matters. Poorly installed drains can clog, collapse, or redirect water to the wrong places. At Thrive, we bring years of site grading and drainage experience to every job. We understand the terrain in Sandy, UT and how to work with local soil and slope conditions.
Our French drain contractors are detail-focused and experienced with both new construction and retrofit installations. We work efficiently and leave your yard clean and ready to use. See our full list of landscape construction services for larger-scale grading, drainage, and outdoor infrastructure projects.
Get the Drainage Right from the Start
Water issues don’t fix themselves. If you’re noticing puddling, slow drainage, or basement moisture, it’s time to act. Thrive Landscape Services offers expert French drain installation for properties throughout Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas. Contact us today to schedule a site review and get a custom plan for your drainage needs.