# DIY French drain vs hiring a pro (Kansas City)

> Premier Gutters KC - NDS-certified drainage contractor. (816) 469-9563. Published pricing.

**Short answer:** DIY genuinely works for short simple runs (one downspout to obvious daylight, low failure stakes). What kills DIY drains in KC clay: (1) landscape fabric instead of woven filter fabric - clay fines blind it and the rock bed seals; (2) single-wall corrugated pipe - crushes and bellies; (3) eyeballed slope - one high spot leaves 30 ft of pipe holding water. Pro installs: $25-$60/LF ($1,500-$3,800 typical) including design, locates, spec materials, continuous slope, haul-off, 10-year workmanship warranty.

Middle path: bury your own simple downspout runs, hire the engineered part (interceptor, driveway crossing, discharge design). We'll quote just that part.

Full page: https://premiergutterskc.com/answers/diy-french-drain-vs-professional-kansas-city/