French drain cost runs anywhere from $500 to $18,000, with $5,000 being the national average.
- Typical Range: $500 to $18,000
- National Average: $5,000
Full Answer
How much does it cost to install a French drain?
What Are The Costs Of French Drain Installation? The national average cost to install a French drain is typically between $2,000 and $15,000. Your particular price will depend on the type of drain and the difficulty of excavation. An interior French drain usually costs around $60 per linear foot.
How much does a French drain cost per foot?
The French drain’s cost per linear foot depends on whether the drain is installed in the interior of your home or the exterior. On average, for exterior installation, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $100 with an average price of $25 per linear foot.
How much does an exterior French drain cost?
French Drains. Exterior French drains cost $10 to $50 per linear foot on average but you may pay up to $100 per linear foot for complex installs. Ranges depend on where you put it. For example, a surface drain in easy to access areas, like a yard, cost far less than excavating to the base of a foundation and adding a sump pump. ...
How to install a French drain in your landscaping?
Instructions
- Determine a Trench Location. Assess the flood-prone area (s) of your yard to determine a general location and route for your French drain.
- Gain Approval. Confirm that your yard drainage will not adversely impact anyone else's land or any public areas, which could lead to legal problems.
- Check the Slope. ...
- Dig the Trench. ...
- Line the Trench With Fabric. ...
How much does it cost to install a 100 foot French drain?
The cost of a French drain depends on your needs, but on average, prices range from $2,800 to $6,500 for professional installation....French drain cost by type and size.Pipe length of interior drainAverage overall cost100 linear feet$4,000 – $10,000200 linear feet$8,000 – $20,0001 more row•Oct 15, 2022
Are French drains worth it?
French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property. They can last between 30 and 40 years. They're cost-effective. French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.
Are French drains expensive to install?
Average Cost of French Drain Installation A French drain can be a lifesaver for a home with water issues, but it doesn't come cheap: the average French drain cost is often between $500 and $18,000. Most homeowners pay somewhere around $5,000 to have a professional install a French drain in their yard.
How much does it cost to dig a French drain?
According to Bob Vila, the average French drain costs $5,000 (CAD 6,300). An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $500 (CAD 630) — or about $10 (CAD 12) per linear foot. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost between $5,000 and $13,500 (CAD 6,300 and CAD 17,000).
What is the alternative to a French drain?
Swales or Valleys Swales, also called valleys, are an alternative to French drains that capture and divert rainwater. Swales are shallow ditches that do not contain pipes. You can usually find them along a property's edge, following the natural grade of the land to direct runoff to ditches or wooded areas.
Do French drains increase home value?
The value of the property. Installing a French drain will increase the value of your home if you are planning to sell it in future. On the other hand, a substandard French drain may spell disaster for neighboring residences.
How far away from a house should a French drain be?
A general rule of thumb is that a french drain should be installed around three feet away from the foundation of a home, but this can vary depending on individual landscaping factors such as where the water is pooling and where gutters are already aligned.
Do landscapers put in French drains?
The landscaping construction company who installs your French drain needs to make sure the proper slope is determined so water flows continuously and consistently to the pop-up valve or exit. Another common failure is the pipe perforations become clogged with dirt and debris.
Are French drains covered by insurance?
The insurance doesn't cover the actual French drain itself, but you could add a rider for it or get a separate policy that specifically covers the actual drain. Keep in mind that if the water damage is due to a flood, you need a separate flood policy to cover that.
Why are French drains so expensive?
Location in Home and Accessibility. Interior French drains are more expensive to install than exterior drains because they require more labor to excavate through a concrete floor. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home.
Does a French drain need planning permission?
Unless you live in a conservation area you don't need planning permission to install a French drain. However, you may have to follow Part H of the building regulations which lays down rules about pipe depth, gradient and size.
Can I dig my own French drain?
A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.
What is the life expectancy of a French drain?
Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years. However, the above-mentioned factors may shorten its life cycle and it must then be replaced by a team of foundation experts.
Do French drains clog up?
Despite the design's best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building's foundation. The best way to clean a French drain is mechanically, using an electric snake.
Is a French drain better than a sump pump?
A French drain will protect the whole of your basement, pulling water from every corner to preserve your belongings as well as the structural integrity of your home. That said, French drains aren't always as powerful as sump pumps.
Are French drains better than gutters?
But, in some areas with heavy clay soil and sloping lots, gutters aren't enough. In these conditions when water is retained in the clay, it can migrate into a crawl space or seep through the foundation into a below-grade living area. That's when a French drain becomes a good solution.
Can I install a French drain myself?
They shouldn’t be installed without professional assistance. A contractor will know where to dig the trenches and the correct measurement needed fo...
Do French drains really work?
They work because they can collect water from the entire length of pipe and transmit it to the desired area away from the home. They solve water is...
Does homeowners insurance cover French drains?
Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover them unless added into the policy under a special provision. Neither will most insurance policies...
Who installs French drains?
Multiple professionals can install them. Waterproofing contractors, basement contractors, drainage contractors, and landscapers all have the skills...
What is the average cost to install a French drain?
The cost varies depending on depth and location, but most people spend around $5,000 on an interior drain.
Does a French drain need an exit?
They do not always need an exit. They can be designed to transport water to another location for it to drain if you are in an area with heavy rains...
How long does a French drain last?
On average they last between 3 and 40 years if well maintained. Some factors may shorten their longevity, such as iron ochre in the soil, poor inst...
Do I need a French Drain?
If you’re not sure about your residential drainage options and whether you need to budget for the cost to have a French drain installed, consider t...
How Deep Should a French Drain Be?
French drains can be dug depths ranging from a few inches to several feet. The depth depends on the drain’s location and how much water is in the area.
When to Install a French Drain?
French drains are most useful when you have slow-moving or slow-collecting water. If you have sections of your yard that are always soggy, water that seeps slowly into your basement or crawl space, or water that collects in your driveway, these are signs that you need a drainage system. If this is the case, a French drain may be a good solution for you.
What are the pros and cons of French drains?
One of the advantages of French drains is that they allow for efficient drainage. A French drain efficiently directs water away from the foundation of your home. You decide where you want the water to be transported and combine it with a sump pump to keep your basement and foundation dry. They are extremely affordable when compared with other methods for waterproofing your basement.
Why is my French drain clogged?
No matter how well your French drain was installed, it will eventually become clogged with dirt, debris, and silt. This can cause it to drain more slowly, making it harder to keep water away from the foundation. When this happens, you need to call in a professional who uses an electric snake to clean the drain from built-up debris. Interior French drain maintenance is extremely important since it can damage your indoor plumbing system. Check the status often to confirm that there are no visible drainage issues.
How much does it cost to install a French drain in the yard?
On average, the cost of French drain yard installs run between $20 and $30 per linear foot. When installing a French drain in the yard, the most common placement is around the perimeter of your home, though they can be placed in almost any area they are needed. If water in the front of the house is a problem, the drain will often be installed along the front of the foundation with a path that pulls the water around the house. They can also be used in other areas of the property where water buildup tends to be a concern. The cost to install a French drain in the backyard will not be costly as long as the yard is clear of any structural components or utility lines in the way of placement.
Why install a French drain in basement?
If you have a small amount of water in your basement, you can install the French drain around the perimeter of your home to help channel away any groundwater that seeps through your basement walls.
How much does an interior French drain cost?
The drawbacks are that they can be expensive and invasive, often requiring cutting through concrete and walls. Interior French drain cost for a linear foot runs between $50 and $60.
What is a French drain?
Also known as weeping tile, a French drain is a system of perforated pipe laid in a trench around the perimeter of your home or under your basement floor. Named for American agriculturist Henry French, it’s sole purpose is to direct water away from your basement to a location where it can be safely absorbed.
How much does it cost to replace a drain with landscaping fabric?
Exterior drains also require a layer of landscaping fabric at the base of the trench to prevent weeds at an average of $65 for a 100-foot drain — or you can replace the standard perforated pipe with a flexible type that comes wrapped in water-permeable fabric for about the same price.
How much does it cost to install a sump pump?
The cost of a new sump pump plus the labor to install it ranges from $650 to $1800 — most homeowners spend about $1200. It’s a necessary part of an interior French drain system.
What is a vertical French drain?
A vertical French drain is a deep hole filled with gravel that helps collect rainwater. Also known as dry wells, several can be dug around a property for maximum drainage, but they’re typically not as effective as true French drains.
How long does a French drain last?
A professionally installed and properly maintained French drain can last for decades.
How much does it cost to drain a house?
If your drainage site is far from your house, you’ll also need to figure in additional materials and labor — $25–$35 per linear foot, all-inclusive, is a good rule of thumb.
What to do if water seeps through window well?
Water seeping through unsealed window wells or cracks in your foundation will require additional measures to fix. But if the problem is poor drainage around your property, a French drain can help whisk excess water away before it takes the path of least resistance into your home.
How Much Does a French Drain Cost per Linear Foot?
When homebuilders lay a foundation, water and drainage play a large role in its design. Take a moment to think about how rain and snow create a flow of water both deep within the ground and at the earth's surface. Without proper drainage, water pressure can build up against your basement walls, shift the foundation of your home, and even pool around your yard.
What Type of French Drain Can I Get on My Budget?
If you're considering the right type of drainage for both your home's design and your budget, take a look at these price ranges and which drains fall into each category.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a French Drain by Type?
For example, architects may add a foundation drain by the footing when initially building your home. This is far simpler than digging deeply under your basement foundation later on.
Why should I have a French drain installed?
French drains are relatively straightforward and cost-effective ways to keep the pressure of standing water from affecting your foundation and remove standing water from your landscape. The installation should last between 30 and 40 years, all the while redistributing both underground and surface water safely away from your home.
What should I consider when hiring a French drain specialist?
A range of certified professionals can install French drains, from foundation specialists to plumbers. However, you’ll want to make sure that the professional has a breadth of experience installing the specific type of drain you need in or outside your home. Your contractor should also have experience with sump pumps, waterproofing, and flood-proof landscaping.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
If the time has come to install a French drain in your yard, basement, or crawl space, there's a solid chance you've been battling water damage—or the threat of water damage—around these areas. Thankfully, proper drainage should allow you to redesign these areas of your home without the fear of being inundated during the next storm.
How much does a French drain cost?
Depending on the size of your basement, a French drain inside your home can cost between $5,000 and $13,500 on average, or $40 to $100 per linear foot. Add a sump pump to the design for $650 to $2,000, bringing the project total to $5,650 to $15,500.
How much does it cost to install a French drain?
The typical expense to set up a 100 foot long, 2 feet deep exterior french drain in your yard will be somewhere around $1,200, or $12 per foot for a Do It Yourself project, without any trencher rental. Expert setup of the very same french drain on the exterior of your structure and the needed repair work for all disturbed soil will cost around $2,350.
What is included in professional setup?
The expense for professional setup will include all labor and trenching tools, perforated drain pipes, the fabric for preventing sand and dirt from permeating into the pipes, rocks, and gravel to cover the drain ditch, along with repair work of the landscaping when finished.
How deep should a French drain be?
Landscaping – When setting up an exterior french drain, you will be digging a drench a number of feet deep depending upon the depth of your structure and 1.5-2.5 feet large around the perimeter of your house. This means that you might need to consider the expense of replacing any blockages like fences, gardens, walkways, and driveways, ...
How long does it take to dig a trench?
3 – 4 Days – If you are thinking of digging the whole trench on your own utilizing a shovel.
Is time the most expensive currency?
Remember, time is the most expensive currency. Blockages – If you have gardens, patio areas, pathways, decks, or other blockages the expense of setup will increase. The task is always the cheapest when you have a clear course to dig your trench.
How deep should a French drain be?
A good rule of thumb is to install french drains that are between 8 inches to 2 feet deep.
How long does a guaranteed tradesperson last?
Book a guaranteed tradesperson and your projects will be covered for 12 months.
What is a French drain?
French drains are a smart, sophisticated form of irrigation that can handle the demands of the great British weather. If you have been considering getting this type of system installed, you will undoubtedly want to get an overview of how much French drains cost.
Do you need an outlet for French drains?
If you work with a professional tradesperson or French drains specialist, it is unlikely that you will require an outlet. In theory, the water should be absorbed into the soil as it drains through the perforated pipe. If you are attempting an install without the help of a professional, you may want to include an outlet and an inlet.
Can you install a French drain yourself?
Unless you have previous experience with irrigation – we strongly recommend that you don’t install a French Drain yourself. The labour is intensive and irrigation is vitally important to the health and longevity of your land or property. To ensure correct installation, use our free search tool to find local specialists in your area.
What drains are good for basement sump pump?
Both vertical French drains and dry wells make good exit points for basement sump pump systems, backyard drainage systems, and downspout and gutter drainage systems.
What is the best drainage system for standing water?
Determining the right drainage system is the first step to solving your water problems. French drains remove water from around a home's foundation or wet basement floor. A trench drain is used for driveways, and yard drainage systems works best for standing water in the lawn.
How far away should gutters be from property?
A gutter drainage system ensures the downspouts are 10'+ away from the property to prevent damage. Water is either directed above ground through a downspout extension or by burying a downspout underground and connecting to drain piping that leads to a bubbler system or dry well.
How much does it cost to install a downspout?
An underground downspout drainage system costs $150 to $350 per downspout to install, which includes a catch basin, downspout extension, trenching, drain pipe, and bubbler system. Downspout extensions alone cost $5 to $25 each for gutter drainage, depending on the length.
What is a curtain drain?
A curtain drain is a 2' wide shallow exterior French drain dug horizontally in front or around a house to divert surface water. Curtain drains prevent water pooling in the yard or near the home and can be connected to a larger backyard drainage system.
What is a window well drain?
Window well drains are a gravel filled base, typically with a grate and vertical pipe leading to existing drainage system. Window wells protect sub-grade egress windows and prevent foundation and basement water damage.
How much does a drainage swale cost?
A drainage swale costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot or $5 to $15 per linear foot , depending on the size, depth, and grading required. A swale or irrigation ditch slows and controls the flow of stormwater runoff by grading a sloped channel into the lawn. The surface may be turfgrass, vegetation, or crushed stone.
What is included in pro installation?
The cost for pro installation includes all labor and trenching equipment, perforated drain pipes, the fabric for preventing sand and dirt from seeping into the pipes, rocks and gravel to cover the drainage ditch, as well as repair of the landscaping once completed.
How deep should a French drain be?
Landscaping – When installing an exterior french drain, you will be digging a drench several feet deep depending on the depth of your foundation and 1.5-2.5 feet wide around the perimeter of your home. This means you may need to factor in the cost of replacing any obstructions like fences, gardens, sidewalks and driveways, ...
Why do I put a French drain in my house?
I’ve put a french drain in both interior and exterior around a home to divert water and keep the basement and foundation dry. I’ve done this for both myself, and when I worked for a landscaping company back in my younger days. It’s never been an easy job and requires a lot of manual labor and wheelbarrow driving. Today, I would hire someone to do this versus doing it myself. 20 years ago… that’s a different story.
How long does it take to install a French drain?
6 – 8 Hours | A simple french drain installation can be done in one day by a team of professional landscapers barring any complications.
How much does it cost to install a 2 foot french drain?
The cost to have a 2 foot deep french drain installed around the exterior of your home, is around $12 per foot when you do it yourself, and up to $32 dollars per foot when hiring a professional to do the work.
Why is my basement leaking?
One of the most common causes of a leaky basement is rain water that soaks into the soil and moisture seeps through basement walls and even up through the floor. This can be avoided with an exterior french drain, which is much simpler and cheaper to install than an interior french drain. A french drain is also great if your yard collects a lot ...
Is it hard to install a French drain?
Digging and installing your own french drain system is not a highly skilled project, but it is hard work and labor intensive. If you choose to do your own, you need to be aware of how to use a level and stake a grade. Check out this overview at the Pittsburg Drain Guys website.
Average French Drain Costs in 2022
- Depending on the placement and length of the PVC pipe, you can expect to pay between $2,800 and $6,500 for a French drain. The national average cost of a French drain, across projects of all sizes, is $5,000.
French Drain Cost by Type and Size
- There are two types of French drains you can choose to install on your property: 1. Interior French drain: installed inside your home; costs $40 to $100 per linear foot 1. Exterior French drain: installed on your lawn; costs $10 to $75 per linear foot Interior French drains are meant for waterproofing the basement or draining your crawl space. Theycost more because contractors …
Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Besides the type and size of French drain, the following factors can also affect installation costs:
Related Services
- Installing a French drain is one option for dealing with excess water in your yard, but here are some other landscaping services and projects that can help.
Pro Cost vs. Diy Cost
- Installing a French drain or footing drain can appear incredibly simple. Still, technical details and costs advise more towards a professional setup. Keep in mind that a faulty drainage system can do a lot of harm to your property. That being said, if you really want to try a DIY French drain installation, here are the tools and materials you’ll need and their associated costs. The total cos…
Cost of A French Drain by Location
- There aren’t any huge differences in cost by location for a French drain. However, you can expect to pay more in areas of the country with a higher cost of living (cities like New York, San Francisco, Seattle, etc.) than in areas of the country with a lower cost of living.
Final Thoughts
- Depending on the placement and length of the pipe, the cost of a French drain will range from $2,800 to $6,500. There are also a variety of factors that will affect the overall cost of a French drain, from the soil content to landscape repairs. By hiring a trusted landscaper to install a French drain, you can expect to have your lawn and your property protected against water damage for y…