French Drains costs, by state and province

Typical costs for french drains per installation. Length, depth, and soil conditions affect price. Open a market below for a local estimate.

French drain installation costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000 for an average residential project. Interior French drains (along the foundation) average $3,000 to $6,000, while exterior yard drains are $1,500 to $4,000. Permits and additional grading can add $500 to $2,000.

Interior vs Exterior French Drain Costs

An interior French drain installed along the basement perimeter costs $40 to $70 per linear foot, totaling $3,000 to $5,000 for a typical 60-foot run. Exterior drains are cheaper at $25 to $50 per linear foot, averaging $1,500 to $4,000. Both require proper slope and gravel.

Factors Affecting Installation Price

Soil type, accessibility, and drain length heavily influence cost. Rocky soil or heavy clay increases excavation time and can add 20% to 50% to the price. A 100-foot exterior drain in sandy soil might cost $2,500, while a similar run in hard clay could be $4,000.

DIY vs Professional Installation

DIY French drains cost $500 to $1,500 for materials (pipe, gravel, fabric) but require significant labor. Professional installation ensures proper slope and drainage, typically $2,000 to $6,000. Mistakes in slope can lead to standing water, costing more to fix later.

Typical French Drains prices
ItemTypical range
Interior French Drain (Per Linear Foot)$40 - $70
Exterior French Drain (Per Linear Foot)$25 - $50
Typical Residential Project (Total)$2,000 - $6,000
DIY Material Cost (100-foot run)$500 - $1,500

Every market for french drains costs

383 markets have a page, each with a typical range where we have one and plain guidance on what moves the price.

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