French drains are one of the most effective ways to redirect water away from buildings, yards, and infrastructure. By capturing groundwater and surface runoff and channeling it through a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench, French drains relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent water from pooling where it shouldn't. At Diversified Drainage, we design and install custom French drain systems for homes, businesses, and municipalities across the Twin Cities.Whether you're dealing with a soggy backyard, wet basement, or failing landscape drainage, we tailor each French drain to the site’s soil conditions, grading, and long-term water management goals.
Proper residential drainage starts with the right system—and a clear understanding of how it works. Explore these FAQs to learn more about drainage.
Yes—French drains are highly effective in Minnesota when designed correctly. Our systems are engineered to handle heavy clay soils, freeze/thaw cycles, and the localized runoff conditions common across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Most French drains are installed between 12 and 24 inches deep for surface water issues, but deeper installations—up to 36 inches—are sometimes needed for subsurface water or foundation protection. We adjust depth based on slope, soil, and drainage goals.
When improperly installed, French drains can clog, freeze, or cause water to pool elsewhere. That’s why we carefully evaluate site grading, soil composition, and outlet locations to ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance.
