French Drain Installation in Kansas City, MO
Solve Your Drainage Problems with S & S Excavation
Are you dealing with a soggy yard, water pooling around your foundation, or a damp basement after every rainfall? Don't let water damage ruin your property and decrease its value. At S & S Excavation, we provide expert French drain installation services in Kansas City, MO, designed to efficiently redirect water away from your home, prevent flooding, and protect your foundation.
From residential land excavation to commercial-grade drainage, we’re the trusted local professionals with the equipment, team, and experience to solve your drainage problems permanently.
Call us today at
816-785-1130 for a free on-site assessment.
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Why Properties Needs a French Drain System
Water drainage issues aren't just inconvenient—they can lead to serious structural damage. Kansas City's clay-heavy soil and seasonal rainfall patterns create perfect conditions for water accumulation around homes and buildings.
This excess moisture can cause:
- Foundation cracks and settling
- Basement flooding and water seepage
- Mold and mildew growth
- Landscape erosion (preventable with erosion control services)
- Damaged concrete driveways and walkways
- Killed vegetation and lawn areas
A properly installed French drain system diverts water away from these vulnerable areas before damage occurs, saving you thousands in potential repair costs.
Image Source: Angi
How Do French Drains Work?
French drains are one of the most efficient, long-lasting solutions for yard drainage issues in Kansas City. Designed to work with gravity, these systems collect excess surface and groundwater and direct it away from your home’s foundation, basement, or landscaping before it causes damage.
Here’s how our systems function:
Strategic Trenching – Using professional trenching equipment, we dig precise channels where water collects.
- Perforated Drain Pipe Installation
- Gravel Backfill
- Geo-Textile Filter Fabric
- Precision Grading – Often combined with land grading or dirt grading services to improve surface drainage.
Our systems are tailored to your soil type, slope, and yard layout—perfect for new homes, established properties, or even sites preparing for deck removal or building demolition.
What Types of French Drains Do We Install?
Every property has unique drainage needs. At S & S Excavation, we offer several French drain variations to address specific water management challenges:
- Exterior French Drains – Installed around the perimeter of your home to prevent water from reaching your foundation.
- Interior French Drains – Placed inside basements or crawl spaces to collect water that has already entered.
- Curtain Drains – Shallow trenches designed to intercept surface water before it flows downhill toward structures.
- Drainage Fields – Larger systems that disperse collected water across a wide area, ideal for properties with limited runoff options.
- French Drain/Sump Pump Combinations – For severe water issues requiring active pumping in addition to passive drainage.
We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient solution for your property.
What Sets Our French Drain Installation Apart?
Installing a French drain isn't a DIY weekend project—it requires proper planning, equipment, and execution to function effectively for years to come. When you choose S & S Excavation, you benefit from:
- Comprehensive Site Evaluation – We analyze your property's topography, soil composition, and water flow patterns.
- Proper Depth and Slope Calculations – Ensuring optimal water movement and system longevity.
- Quality Materials – We use commercial-grade pipes, geotextile fabrics, and clean drainage rock.
- Minimal Landscape Disruption – Our experienced team works efficiently to limit impact on your yard.
- Professional Restoration – We properly finish and restore areas disturbed during installation.
Unlike basic installations that may fail within a few years, our professionally engineered French drain systems are built to perform reliably for decades.
Who Needs French Drain Installation in Kansas City?
French drains are versatile solutions for numerous water management challenges common throughout the Kansas City area:
- Homeowners with wet basements or crawl spaces
- Properties on slopes or at the bottom of hills
- Homes with consistently soggy yard areas
- Locations with clay-heavy soil that doesn't drain well
- Buildings experiencing foundation movement due to water pressure
- New construction seeking preventative drainage measures
- Commercial properties with landscaping or hardscaping water issues
If you're not sure whether a French drain is the right solution for your property, our experts will honestly assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate drainage system.
Why Trust S&S Excavation For French Drain Installation in Kansas City, MO?
We're a locally owned and operated excavation company with deep roots in the Kansas City community. Our reputation is built on quality workmanship, transparent communication, and lasting results.
Here's why our customers consistently choose us:
- 10+ years of specialized drainage and excavation experience
- Deep understanding of Kansas City's unique soil and climate challenges
- Advanced equipment and installation techniques
- Fair, honest pricing with detailed estimates
- Full licensing and insurance protection
- Exceptional customer service throughout the process
We treat every property with the same care and attention we would give our own homes.
How Much Does French Drain Installation Cost in Kansas City, MO?
French drain installation in Kansas City typically costs $20–$45 per linear foot, depending on soil conditions, drain depth, pipe size, and whether it’s a surface or subsurface system.
| Drain Type / Service | Typical Cost Range | Estimated Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Surface French Drain (shallow) | $1,000 – $3,000+ | $20 – $30 |
| Subsurface French Drain (18–36” deep) | $2,500 – $6,000+ | $25 – $40 |
| Deep or Wide Drainage Systems (3+ ft deep) | $4,000 – $10,000+ | $35 – $45+ |
| Sump Pump Integration (if needed) | $500 – $2,000 | Add-on to base system |
| Downspout Tie-ins or Gutter Extensions | $250 – $750 per connection | Add-on |
| Rock or Clay Soil Excavation Surcharge | Varies | +$5 – $10 per foot |
Factors That Affect French Drain Costs
- Soil Type: Clay-heavy or rocky soil in Kansas City requires more labor and specialized equipment, increasing the total cost.
- Drain Depth & Width: Deeper drains require more excavation and materials like gravel, fabric, and piping.
- Access to Site: Tight yards, landscaping, or hardscaping may increase labor or require hand-digging.
- Water Issues: Severe drainage or basement flooding may require additional solutions like sump pumps or catch basins.
- Permits & Local Codes: Some projects may require city permits or must comply with Kansas City’s stormwater management rules.
Equipment We Use for French Drain Installation
At S & S Excavation, we use specialized machinery to ensure precise trenching, efficient installation, and minimal disruption to your property. Here’s a look at the equipment we commonly use for French drain projects:
- Mini Excavator (e.g., Bobcat E35 or Caterpillar 308 CR): Ideal for digging narrow, consistent trenches in tight residential spaces without damaging existing landscaping.
- Trencher Machine: Perfect for long, shallow French drain lines—especially in large yards or fields—allowing faster, cleaner cuts.
- Compact Track Loader (e.g., Kubota SVL75-2): Used for moving gravel, soil, and drainage rock efficiently across the site.
- Plate Compactor: Ensures soil is firmly compacted after backfilling, reducing the risk of settling or sinkage.
- Laser Level or Grade Laser: Helps us set accurate slopes for water flow, ensuring your French drain system works as intended.
- Dump Trailer or Haul Truck: For hauling away excess dirt, debris, and old drainage materials during excavation.
Compliance with Local Codes and Regulations
As responsible French Drain contractors near you, we make sure every project complies with city, state, and federal guidelines.
- City of Kansas City, MO Zoning and Development Code - Ordinance No. 220961 - All grading over 1 acre requires a land disturbance permit and erosion control plan.
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) - Projects involving water runoff or wetlands must follow sediment control requirements and SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan).
- EPA Clean Water Act (Section 402) - Grading projects over 1 acre fall under NPDES permitting for stormwater discharge.
- OSHA Excavation Safety Guidelines - All slope grading and trenching work meets standards under
29 CFR 1926.651 and .652.
Areas We Serve for French Drain Installation
We proudly provide French drain installation services throughout the Kansas City metro area and surrounding communities.
Our service areas include:
- Gladstone, MO
- Independence, MO
- Raytown, MO
- Prairie Village, KS
- Shawnee, KS
- Overland Park, KS
- Lee's Summit, MO
- Olathe, KS
- Blue Springs, MO
- Liberty, MO
- Leavenworth, KS
- Platte City, MO
- Harrisonville, MO
- Lenexa, KS
No matter where you are in the greater Kansas City region, our experienced team is ready to solve your drainage problems.
Get Your Free French Drain Consultation Today
Don't wait for water damage to impact your property's value and your family's comfort. Take action now to protect your biggest investment.
Call S&S Excavation At 816-785-1130 to schedule your free, no-obligation French drain assessment.
- Expert drainage solutions
- Local, experienced installation team
- Long-lasting protection for your Kansas City property
Let's solve your drainage problems—starting today.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Drains
How much does French drain installation cost in Kansas City?
Costs vary based on the length, depth, and complexity of your specific installation. We provide detailed, transparent quotes after our free on-site assessment.
How long do French drains last?
A professionally installed French drain should last 30-40 years with proper maintenance. The key factors affecting longevity are installation quality, materials used, and regular maintenance.
Will installing a French drain disrupt my landscaping?
Some disruption is unavoidable, but we take steps to minimize impact and properly restore affected areas. We can work around valuable landscaping features and restore grass and planting areas after installation.
Do French drains work in winter?
Yes, properly installed French drains are placed below the frost line and continue to function during winter months. They're especially important during spring thaws when water volume increases.
How quickly can you install my French drain?
After approval of your estimate, most installations can be scheduled within 1-2 weeks, depending on the season and current workload.