French Drain Installation + Contractor (Kansas City)

Water management is a common concern for homeowners in Kansas City. One of the most effective solutions for preventing soil saturation and “sogginess” and managing storm water is the installation of a French drain. At High Flow Drainage Solutions, we specialize in designing and installing high-quality French drains tailored to the specific needs of Kansas City homes.

Local Kansas City French Drain Contractor

If you’re dealing with a soggy lawn, water pooling around your foundation, or persistent drainage issues, High Flow Drainage Solutions is here to help! As a top-rated French drain contractor in Kansas City with tons of glowing reviews, we specialize in designing and installing high-performance French drains that protect your home from excess water saturation. Our team understands the unique soil and weather conditions in the Kansas City area, and we’ve tested hundreds of products, ensuring that every French drain system we install is built to last.

Whether you need a simple yard drainage solution or a complex, multi-zone system, we take a strategic approach to improve your property’s water management. Use the button at the top of this page to book a free consultation with our drainage engineer, and you’ll get expert advice on the best drainage solution for your home as soon as possible. Read some of our recent reviews from our French Drain customers:

How French Drains Work

A French drain is a simple, yet highly effective system for managing excess water around your property, specifically water already soaked into the ground. They consist of a perforated pipe (pipe with tiny holes in it) laid in a trench filled with gravel. A French drain directs water away from water-saturated soil, to a spot away from your home or the middle of your yard. By rerouting water, French drains help prevent a range of issues.

Kansas City homeowners often face challenges related to heavy rainfall, which can lead to water pooling in unwanted areas. A properly installed French drain is a proactive way to protect your home and landscape from the damaging effects of water buildup and saturation. Here is a great illustration of an image of the gravel and subsurface perforated pipe which collect water in your yard and near your home:

Our Installation Process

French drains can be installed by homeowners themselves, but to avoid costly mistakes or common errors, contractors are usually hired. At High Flow Drainage Solutions, we are a French drain contractor ready to give you a free quote. We take a detailed and methodical approach to French drain installation, making sure your system is built to last and functions efficiently. Here’s an overview of how we install a French drain:

1. We start with a thorough assessment of your property, identifying areas where water accumulates and evaluating the best placement for the drain.
2. After designing a system that meets your specific needs, we begin the excavation process, carefully digging a trench that will house the drain. The trench is lined with a durable geotextile fabric to prevent soil from clogging the system.
3. Next, we lay the perforated pipe, ensuring it’s properly sloped to allow water to flow away from the problem area.
4. Finally, the pipe is covered with gravel and the trench is backfilled with soil or sod, leaving a clean and nearly invisible drainage solution.

Open vs Closed French Drain

Open French Drains are gravel all the way to the surface, while closed French drains are covered with fabric, and then have at least 2-3 inches of soil for grass or sod to grow. Below, the closed french drain image shows a complicated french drain system ready for sod to be placed on top of the fabric-covered gravel. For the open french drain, decorative rock is placed on top of the gravel.

Where are French Drains Needed?

The placement of a French drain system is really important to its effectiveness. We typically install French drains in low-lying areas a yard where water tends to pool. Anywhere that could be described as “soggy” or “muddy” a few days after a rain event is a prime location for a French drain.

Our lead drainage engineer carefully considers the unique landscape of your property to ensure your French drain provides maximum protection and performance.

Every property is unique, and so are the drainage solutions we provide. Whether you have a small yard that needs minor adjustments or a large estate with significant water management challenges, we customize each French drain system to fit the specific needs of your property. The longest French drain we’ve installed to date is 300 feet long! We also offer a variety of materials and finishes to ensure your French drain blends seamlessly with your landscape, maintaining both functionality and aesthetics.

Common Questions About French Drains

How often should I clean out my French drain?

French drains generally require minimal maintenance, but it’s important to keep them clear to ensure they function properly. We recommend inspecting your French drain at least once a year, particularly before the rainy season.

If you notice any issues, it’s best to clean the drain or have a professional service it to prevent potential flooding. You can easily call us out if you’d feel more comfortable with a professional inspection.

What depth should a French drain be installed?

The depth of a French drain can vary depending on its purpose and the specific conditions of your property. For most residential applications, a French drain is typically installed about 12 to 18 inches deep. In the Kansas City area, the frost line is about 3 feet deep, and since moving water has a lower freezing point, we can build our system a little higher than that.

How wide should the trench be for a French drain?

The width of the trench for a French drain also depends on the amount of water it needs to manage and the soil conditions. Generally, a trench should be between 12 to 24 inches wide. For larger volumes of water or in areas with heavy clay soils, a wider trench may be necessary to ensure proper drainage. We tailor the trench width to the specific requirements of your property, ensuring optimal performance. The 2 reasons we generally install a wider french drain include heavy saturation of the soil due to the area, or when we combine other drainage systems and need the extra subsurface room for those pipes.

Why is it called a French drain?

The term “French drain” doesn’t come from France. It’s named after Henry Flagg French, a 19th-century lawyer and farmer from Massachusetts who popularized the drainage system in his 1859 book, Farm Drainage. French advocated for perforated pipes laid in gravel-lined trenches as an efficient way to redirect excess water away from problem areas. Over time, these simple yet effective drains came to be known as “French drains” in honor of their early promoter.

Which French Drain Contractor Near Me To Hire?

When it comes to French drain installation in Kansas City, High Flow Drainage Solutions is the trusted choice for many homeowners. Our team brings years of experience and a commitment to quality to every project. You’ll have a French drain that is installed correctly and functions efficiently for years to come.

We use the highest quality materials and offer comprehensive services from consultation to installation and maintenance, providing you with a reliable solution for all your drainage needs. We are also licensed and insured!

Schedule your consultation today using the “Schedule Inspection” button at the top of the page. Choose a time that works for you, and our drainage expert, Caleb, will visit your property to assess the issue, discuss solutions, and provide a detailed bid for the fix.