How Much Does A French Drain Cost In 2024? (2024)

Interior French Drain

An interior drain gets installed along the interior of the foundation walls of the basem*nt or crawl space. Then, the drain pipes divert the water to a sump pump which pumps the water outside. First, the basem*nt floor around the perimeter is busted up and removed to install an interior drain. On the other hand, if it’s a crawl space, the dirt around the perimeter is dug up. Then, the drainage system is installed, and the soil or concrete is replaced.

Pros and Cons

The most notable pro for interior systems is that it’s cheaper. Plus, since the system is inside, it’s less likely to get clogged by dirt and debris.

However, any furniture in the basem*nt needs to be temporarily relocated. In addition, the flooring around the perimeter needs to be excavated. This can raise the price significantly if you have hardwood floors, engineered floors, or other high-end flooring. Finally, interior systems are less effective. Since the water still moves through the foundation walls, there is a higher possibility of failure.

Cost

Interior French drain systems cost $40 to $100 per linear foot.

Exterior French Drain

Exterior French drains get installed outside in the yard if there is flooding. In addition, they get installed around your home’s foundation to protect it from flooding and moisture damage. Unlike interior systems, there is no sump pump, as the water will drain by gravity to a designated location.

Pros and Cons

There are two significant drawbacks when it comes to an exterior perimeter drain. The first is that the ground around the home needs to get dug up eight to 10 feet deep and wide enough for contractors to work. Plus, anything around the house needs to be removed. This includes gardens, shrubbery, sidewalks, decks and driveways. Obviously, this substantially adds to the overall cost.

The cost of exterior French drains is the second biggest drawback. Given the extra machinery, labor and complexity of an exterior system, it is much more expensive.

However, there are benefits to exterior systems as well. The number one benefit is that exterior drainage systems are more effective. Exterior drainage systems collect and divert water before the water moves through your foundation walls. In addition to being more effective, this also relieves hydrostatic pressure (a constant force on your foundation walls created by standing water in the soi, known to develop horizontal cracks and costly foundation damage) and prevents foundation damage.

Cost

Exterior French drain systems cost $10 to $100 per linear foot. However, the lower end of that scale would apply only to simple yard systems and not foundation water management systems. On that note, a more realistic cost is $20 to $60 per linear foot.

Labor

Labor rates vary significantly depending on what part of the country you are in. For example, labor rates in California are much higher than those in rural Virginia. However, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for landscaping labor. Keep in mind that contractors probably won’t itemize the labor on your invoice on a large project.

Permits

Most counties require permits for French drain installations. Plus, your contractor needs to call 811 to ensure they don’t hit any utility lines (gas, water or electric) when digging the trench. Utility locators will mark the underground utilities for free, but the permits generally cost about $100 to $200.

Type and Material

Materials for French drains are relatively inexpensive. You typically only have drainage pipes, pea gravel, fabric filters and catch basins. Then, add concrete and a sump pump to the costs for inside systems. According to recent prices at national hardware stores, materials cost about $5 to $10 per linear foot.

Equipment Rental

Renting a backhoe is one of the most significant expenses with exterior systems. Digging a 10-foot trench around a property can take a couple of days. Plus, the soil needs to get replaced once the system is installed. Renting an appropriate backhoe is about $200 to $400 a day. This will add over $1,000 to your total cost.

Location in Home and Accessibility

Working in an air-conditioned basem*nt is much better than crawling around a crawl space. Contractors charge a premium for unpleasant work. So, expect your costs to increase by 5% to 10% if the work is in a crawlspace.

Size

The size of your foundation is the most impactful variable. Most contractors estimate the job by the linear feet of drainage needed. A smaller house has less basem*nt wall than a larger house. Plus, it’s possible that only certain areas have water problems and that not the whole perimeter needs a drain.

Soil Content

Some soil is more challenging to work with than others. For example, Virginia has a lot of clay, creating a unique set of problems. Not only is clay tougher to dig through, but it drains slower. Sometimes, contractors won’t install a fabric filter for drain tile in clay. Since the clay is so fine and silty, it can clog up the filter.

Additionally, your soil may have a lot of rock. A rocky soil requires more tools and labor to dig through. Likewise, the price will increase as a result.

Landscaping Repair

The biggest drawback of exterior French drains is the damage to the landscaping. Since a trench is dug around the house’s perimeter, all the landscaping gets removed. Although some bushes and trees may be saved, many won’t. If you don’t have any flower beds or bushes around your property, this won’t be a problem. However, elaborate landscaping will significantly add to the cost. Landscaping repair costs are one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose interior systems instead of exterior.

Dry Well

The water collected in a French drain pipe needs to discharge somewhere. Unfortunately, not every property has an ideal location for draining hundreds or thousands of gallons of rainwater. In that case, your contractor needs to install an irrigation ditch or dry well. A dry well is an underground structure that collects water and dissipates it into the surrounding soil. A DIY dry well costs about $200, while a professional installation costs $300 to $2,100.

Sump Pump

Water management is slightly different for interior systems. Since the interior drains are about eight to 10 feet underground, gravity draining to a point in the yard doesn’t work. A sump pumps the
water up and out to ground level to overcome this. Then, a pipe takes the water to a dry well or other suitable location.

Expect to pay $950 to $1,400 for a professional sump pump installation.

Determining the right time to install a French drain is crucial for preventing water-related issues in your home and yard. This drainage solution is particularly effective in several situations.

Lawn Permanently Damp

A persistently soggy lawn can be more than just a nuisance; it can signal deeper drainage problems. If water pools in your yard after rain or irrigation and doesn’t dissipate within a reasonable time, it’s a clear indicator that the existing drainage is inadequate. This constant moisture can damage grass, create a breeding ground for pests and even affect the stability of nearby structures. A French drain can provide an effective pathway for this excess water, directing it away from your lawn and preventing saturation.

Basem*nt Flooding

Water intrusion in your basem*nt can lead to a host of problems, from structural damage to mold growth. If you notice water seepage, damp walls or pooling water in your basem*nt, especially after heavy rainfalls, it’s a sign that your home’s foundation is under threat. An interior French drain installed along the perimeter of your basem*nt can capture this water before it causes damage, directing it to a sump pump that will remove it from your home, thus safeguarding your foundation and interior spaces.

Non-Existent Drainage

In some cases, properties may lack any form of effective drainage system, leaving them vulnerable to water accumulation and the associated problems. This is especially true for homes built on flat or low-lying land where natural water runoff is minimal. The installation of a French drain can introduce a much-needed mechanism to manage and redirect water, ensuring that your property remains dry and protected from potential water damage.

French drain installation is an expert-level job. If your system is outside, you must operate a backhoe next to your house without damaging it. On the other hand, if your system is inside, you need to jackhammer the concrete floor. Afterward, you must install your system correctly with the proper slope and other installation nuances. Finally, you’ll need to replace the dirt or concrete and fix anything damaged, such as a sidewalk or deck. A mistake will quickly eat up any savings accrued by doing it yourself. This job is best left to the professionals.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

Installing a French drain can be a significant investment, but there are several strategies to help manage and reduce the overall costs:

• Compare quotes: Obtain multiple estimates from different contractors to ensure you’re getting a competitive price for the installation. Don’t just look at the bottom line; compare the scope of work and materials as well.
• DIY smaller projects: For minor drainage issues, consider a DIY approach for installing a simple French drain in your yard. Be sure to research thoroughly and follow proper installation techniques to avoid future problems.
• Seasonal discounts: Contractors may offer discounts during their off-peak seasons. Scheduling your project during these times can lead to lower costs.
• Salvage landscaping: If an exterior drain is necessary, carefully plan the excavation to minimize damage to existing landscaping, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements afterward.
• Use cost-effective materials: Discuss with your contractor the possibility of using more affordable materials that still meet the requirements for your drainage needs. For example, certain types of pipe or gravel may offer savings.
• Partial solutions: If your budget is tight, consider addressing the most critical areas of your property first. Installing a French drain in just one problem area can significantly improve drainage and can be expanded later.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your French drain to prevent clogs and ensure it functions efficiently, avoiding frequent repairs or complete replacements in the future.

By employing these strategies, you can effectively manage the costs associated with installing a French drain, ensuring your property remains dry and protected without overspending.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.