French Drains in Denver Metro
French drains, downspout extensions, grading and catch basins — engineered to keep snowmelt and storm runoff out of your basement and away from your foundation.
“While Colorado's front range is mostly dry, snowmelt and heavy spring storms send a lot of water at your home. A french drain keeps that moisture out of your basement and safely away from your property.”
Denis McCauslandGreen Mountain Landscaping · Denver, CODrainage problems only get worse with time
You're probably here because something's already going wrong. The good news: every one of these has a fix, and the right fix depends on your specific yard.
- Water leaking into your basement or crawlspace
- Pooling against the house after rain or snowmelt
- A yard that slopes inward, toward your foundation
- A soggy, swampy low spot that never dries out
- Downspouts dumping roof water right next to the house
What's happening underground
A buried, perforated pipe sits at the low point between two slopes and carries water to a safe exit.
Four ways we solve drainage problems
The four common solutions for drainage problems — explained below. The right one depends on the severity of your issue and the shape of your yard.
1. French drain system
The most complex of the drainage solutions, and the most reliable way to keep water out of your basement. This is the most common solution we install for Denver metro customers.
2. Downspout extension
Downspouts collect a tremendous amount of water from your roof and dump it in a very small area. If that water isn't channeled away, it can be directed toward your house and cause foundation problems and basement flooding. We attach a solid flex pipe to your downspout, buried under the yard, exiting where there's a positive slope away from the house.
3. Grading only
With grading, we move soil into a slope so the ground nearest your house is higher than the ground away from it. Water drains away from the house instead of toward your basement floor. It's the least expensive option and works best for minor drainage issues.
4. Catch drain
If you've noticed a sinkhole or swampy area developing over time, a catch basin solution drains water away from your property — letting your yard dry out and transform from a swamp into usable space.
Recent projects with french drains
Frequently asked questions
Will my existing landscaping need to be removed or relocated to accommodate a french drain?
In some cases, yes — your existing landscaping may need to be removed or relocated. We have to make sure the french drain is located a good distance away from the house, and that sometimes means moving existing landscaping.
We can easily move rocks or wood chips, and it's possible to replant some items like shrubs. We're french drain specialists, but we're also a full-service landscaping company — we'll make sure your drain is functional and your yard looks great when we're through.
Do I need more than one french drain?
Usually one french drain is required for each side of your yard that drains significantly inward toward your house. In extreme cases you may need two or more drains in parallel. It's rare to need drainage systems in parallel, but it becomes necessary in severe cases on long, steep slopes that collect a lot of rainfall.
Does a french drain require a pump or electricity?
No. The french drain uses gravity to gently steer water away from your house into an area where it won't cause any problems.
Do I still need a sump pump with a french drain?
A sump pump isn't required if you have a french drain. We still recommend a sump pump for most homes in Denver metro — it provides an additional level of protection to move water off your property.
Can I do a DIY drain system install?
This isn't recommended. Installing a french drain is fairly backbreaking work that requires specialized equipment to get right. You have to make sure the solution is properly graded and that you're using materials that will hold up for the long haul.
You'll also want to dig the trench in a way that lets you preserve the existing turf and reinstall it on top of the pipe afterward. There's a learning curve that may prove extremely frustrating — as with most tasks, leaving it to the experts is the most efficient way to get a properly functioning french drain without the hassle.
Don't wait for the next big storm
Drainage fixes get harder to schedule once everyone's basement is already flooding. Get an honest assessment of what your yard actually needs.