Kansas City has been wet this year. It feels like we’re simply going from one thunderstorm warning to another. Weather conditions like this put a heavy burden on your drainage system. Before the summer rainstorms are fully upon us, now is the time to install or upgrade what you have. In this guide, we’ll talk about how much it costs to install drainage systems in Kansas City, the different types of options available, their pros and cons, and how to move forward.

Types of Drainage Systems

The most common types of drainage systems installed in Kansas City homes include the following:

• Grading: A drainage method done by raising or lowering the ground.
• French Drain: A buried pipe drainage system with gravel that runs beneath the ground.
• Flow Well: A newer drainage option that uses large storage tanks that slowly let out water they collect.

Some homes also add an erosion control system to further prevent soil from washing away. Many also choose to bury their downspouts to better direct the rainwater, improve aesthetics, and protect their home’s foundation.

Types of Drainage Systems and their Pros & Cons

	Definition	Pros	Cons	Cost
Grading	Raising or lowering the ground to influence water flow	Enhances soil stability;Can protect foundation and basements from water damage	Requires ongoing maintenance;May cause run-off to neighboring properties	$100–$200 per hour
French Drain	Covered drainage system to soak up ground water	Cost-effective;Low maintenance;Aesthetically-pleasing	Might clog over the time;Not the most effective in high-water situations	$4,000 – $7,000
Flow Well	Large storage containers	Controlled water release to prevent erosion;More affordable and DIY-friendly	Capacity limitation; Qualities vary significantly between brands;Can break under impact	$750 – $1,500

Cost of Grading

Grading is one of the simplest drainage solutions for homeowners who do not want to install more extensive options like French drains or flow wells. This method raises or lowers the ground to direct water away from your home’s foundation and, eventually, off your property.

While the concept seems simple enough, grading must be done by a drainage professional in Kansas City because improper grading can cause more harm than good. Machine grading typically costs $100 – $200 per hour. Grading is also frequently used to level the ground and prepare the site for other projects.

Pros

There are many advantages of using grading as a simple drainage solution:

• Grading is the least intrusive method and can often be completed rather quickly
• Grading is especially effective in protecting your home’s foundation
• Can be combined with other erosion control systems to prevent soil loss from the water flow

Cons

Grading also comes with several drawbacks that must be factored into consideration, especially in areas with high precipitation, such as Kansas City:

• Grading would need regular maintenance to ensure the ground’s slope still runs the way you need it to be. The more it rains, the more frequently you might need to maintain the grading.
• Depending on the area needing grading, the initial cost can be rather high.
• Can cause water to run into your neighbor’s properties.

Cost to Install French Drains

French drain comes with three different components: the trench that houses the drain pipe, the pipe itself, and the filler material that provides additional drainage support and visual compensation.

Most landscaping companies in Kansas City use perforated drain pipe and gravel for the best results. French drain installation with a 4” pipe costs from $4,000 to $7,000 in Kansas City.

Pros

French drains are often favored by homeowners as one of the most cost-effective modern drainage solutions:

• Pipe-plus-gravel system provides double drainage protection.
• More aesthetically pleasing than a normal trench, with the pipe being invisible and covered.
• Very long-lasting.

Cons

• The surface-level drain can get clogged by debris.
• Not the most effective in high-water situations.
• The pipe can be subjected to root and other types of damage over time.

Cost to Install Flow Wells

Flow wells, as the name suggests, use large underground container systems to contain the water flow. The containers collect stormwater and slowly release it into the soil.

You can DIY a flow-well installation by purchasing kits from most hardware stores. However, professional installation will ensure the best result. Flow well installation in Kansas City ranges from $750 – $1,500. Royal Creations uses systems with  50-gallon container wells.

Pros

• Multi-container configurations give more flexibility and higher drainage capacity.
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly, as water is slowly released back into the ground.

Cons

• Quality varies from brand to brand. Some containers are prone to breaking.
• Maintenance and repair can be labor-intensive.

Erosion Control Systems

Erosion control covers bare soil with different materials to prevent washout. While it’s not necessarily a drainage system, it’s often used hand-in-hand with other stormwater management methods to ensure soil integrity.

Common materials used in erosion control systems are straw mat, sod, ground cover plants, mulch, weed barrier fabric, and river rock.

Cost of different erosion control materials

Material	Price
Straw mat (8ft x 30ft)	$40 – $50 ea
Sod installation	$2.10 – $3.50 per sqft
Ground cover plants	Varies by plant type
Mulch installation	$0.70 – $1.40 per sqft
Weed barrier fabric	$0.50 – $2.50 per sqft
River rock (installation not included)	$1 – $3 per sqft

Cost to Bury Downspouts

Another way to improve your drainage system at home is to bury downspouts. Typically, it costs between $500 and $750 to bury a downspout approximately 10 feet away from the house.

There are many reasons why you’d want to bury your downspout. Mainly, burying your downspout ensures water flows out and away from your home’s foundation, regardless of grading. It also makes your landscape look cleaner now that the gutter drain is buried underground.

Professional Drainage Solutions for Homes in Kansas City

While many landscaping tasks have DIY alternatives, the drainage system is one thing that should absolutely be left to a professional. Improper installation of your drainage system can lead to severe water damage to your landscape and your home’s foundation.

Depending on your existing landscape, sometimes it’s worth your while to consider bundling your drainage project with other projects, such as installing an irrigation system.