Orem Foundation Pros
French Drains in Orem, UT
Exterior French drain installation in Orem to redirect snowmelt runoff away from the foundation, free estimates.
Serving Orem and nearby communities.
Spring snowmelt runoff on Orem's bench grading is the main reason homeowners call about French drains. A French drain is an exterior perimeter system, trenched pipe and gravel, that redirects that runoff away from the foundation before it becomes a wall or basement problem.
Orem Foundation Pros treats this as preventive work. It's cheaper to move the water than to keep repairing what it causes.
What's included
What's included with French Drains
Typically included
- Grade assessment to map water flow around the foundation
- Trenching along the planned drainage route
- Perforated pipe and gravel backfill installation
- Discharge point setup, daylight or dry well
Optional
- Catch basin addition for surface water collection
- Tie-in with interior drain tile for a combined system
Customer prep
- Mark any buried utilities or sprinkler lines in the yard
- Expect some trench disturbance to landscaping along the route
Want a clearer scope?
Get a Free EstimateHow it works
How our French Drains process works
Step 1Drainage Assessment
Water flow patterns determine the best drain path.
Step 2Trench Excavation
A trench opens along the planned route.
Step 3Gravel Base Placement
Gravel promotes proper water movement.
Step 4Pipe Installation
Perforated piping captures and redirects water.
Step 5Backfill and Cover
Gravel and soil complete the system.
Step 6Outlet Testing
Water flow is confirmed in the right direction.
Materials
Materials and methods for French Drains
A drain is only as good as what's underneath the pipe.
Perforated Drain Pipe
Collects and channels groundwater away from the foundation, sized for the volume Orem's snowmelt produces each spring.
Gravel Aggregate
Surrounds the pipe so water moves instead of pooling against clay-heavy bench soil.
Filter Fabric
Keeps soil from clogging the system over years of seasonal runoff.
Outlet Cap
Directs discharged water safely away from the house.
Catch Basin
Collects surface water before it reaches the trench line.
Backfill Soil
Restores the trench to match the original yard grade.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateFAQs
French Drains FAQs
Will a French drain actually stop water from getting into my crawl space?
An exterior French drain redirects surface water before it reaches the foundation, which cuts down on what makes it into a crawl space. For water already getting in, pairing it with encapsulation closes the loop.
What's causing water to pool on my patio after it rains?
Often it's grading that slopes toward the house instead of away, sometimes paired with a settled patio section. A French drain handles the grading side; polyurethane lifting handles the settled slab.
Do French drains need a permit?
Usually not, unless the system ties into a municipal storm drain. Confirm with the city if your discharge point connects to public infrastructure.
How long does a French drain install take?
Most residential installs run one to two days depending on trench length and discharge distance.
Can I install a French drain myself?
A short yard drain is a doable DIY project. A perimeter system tied to foundation grading needs correct slope calculation, which is where a pro earns their keep.
Next step
Get a French Drains estimate in Orem
Water pooling against the foundation after rain or snowmelt is worth routing away before it finds its way in. Call Orem Foundation Pros at (435) 610-8308 or request a free estimate. See Basement Waterproofing for the interior side of water management.
Before & after
Before and after French Drains
Before 
After
Timeline
How long does french drains install take?
Most jobs wrap within a couple of days depending on trench length.
- 01
Grade assessment
same day - 02
Trench and pipe install
1 day - 03
Backfill and outlet test
1 day
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateMore services
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