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.
| Item | Typical 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 |
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.
What moves the price in Orem, Utah
Length, depth, and soil conditions affect price. Local quotes reflect the items below, so two providers can quote different totals for the same described job without either being wrong.
- Local labour rates and licensing requirements for the trade or professional involved
- Permits, inspections and disposal fees set by the local authority
- Travel and call-out charges for the distance from the nearest provider
- Season and demand peaks, which move both the price and the wait
- Materials, parts or inputs, and how their grade or availability changes the total
- Whether the work is a repair, a partial job or a full replacement
How to compare french drains quotes in Orem, Utah
Write the scope down first, then send the same description to at least three local providers. Compare the quotes line by line against that scope rather than by the headline total.
- Agree the scope: exactly what is being repaired, replaced or supplied, and how far the work extends.
- List the inclusions: labour, materials, permits, inspection fees, disposal and clean-up, each stated separately.
- Ask what is excluded, and what would trigger an extra charge once the work starts.
- Check timing: how soon work can start, how long it takes, and whether out-of-hours rates apply.
- Confirm terms: deposit, payment schedule, warranty on parts and labour, and how changes are priced.
A lower total that leaves out permits, disposal or a necessary second stage is not cheaper once those items are added back. Ask each provider in writing what would change the price.
This page does not quote work and is not a contractor. The range above is an estimate, not an offer.
Common questions
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French Drains Financing
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