How Much Does a French Drain Cost in 2025?
The average cost to install a French drain is $9,250
Installing a French drain costs an average of $9,250, with most projects falling within the range of $500 to $18,000.
Factors affecting cost include location, size, labor rates, and drainage depth.
Proper installation prevents water damage and maintains the foundation's integrity.
Hiring a qualified drain installation pro helps save money and avoid long-term drainage headaches.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most homeowners pay $9,250 for a French drain, although projects can range from $400 to $27,000, or $10 to $100 per linear foot (about $45 on average). Location, drain size, and material quality all factor into the final price, so incorporate these factors into your budget and hire a professional drainage expert to ensure the job is done right.
What Is a French Drain?
A soggy yard or damp basement after every storm is a clear sign you may need a French drain. A French drain is a trench filled with pea gravel and a perforated pipe that helps divert standing or pooling water away from your home, preventing flooding and water damage. By installing one, you can protect your property and potentially save thousands in future repair costs.
Also known by other names, such as weeping tile, channel drain, or trench drain, French drains come in various types depending on how and where they're installed. For example:
Weeping tile drain, perimeter drain, footing drain, drain tile, deep French drain, and foundation drain: Laid at the foundation level around the exterior or interior.
Curtain drain: Laid at or near the soil surface around the home exterior to divert surface water (rain and snow) rather than groundwater
Trench drain, yard drain, or garden drain: A surface-level style used in yards, driveways, and gardens
French Drain Installation Cost Factors
Knowing the costs that affect your installation, including size, labor, and site condition, helps you build an accurate project budget.
Cost per Linear Foot
The cost to install a French drain varies depending on its type and location. You can expect to pay between $10 and $100 per linear foot. The table below outlines the breakdown of costs for each kind of French drain.
| French Drain Type | Average Cost per Lin. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Interior French | $40–$100 |
| Exterior perimeter | $10–$50 |
| Curtain drain | $10–$25 |
| Trench or yard drain | $30–$90 |
| Deep French drain | $30–$70 |
Labor
Drainage professionals charge $50 to $100 per hour to install a French drain, with rates varying by contractor type. Most of the cost is attributed to labor, as the prices of the pipe and equipment are relatively low. Plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, depending on their level of experience and expertise. Professional landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour to dig the trench and install your drain in the yard.
Basement French drains require more labor because your pro needs to demolish the concrete around the perimeter to install the drain, flashing, and waterproof membrane. Then they'll need to redo the concrete after the drain is installed.
Accessibility
Interior French drains cost more because crews must cut and replace sections of concrete. However, costs can increase inside or outside, depending on accessibility. For example, if your land has rocky or clay-heavy soil, it may take landscapers longer to dig the trench for an outdoor French drain, and labor will likely cost $50 to $100 per hour or more. The added difficulty can increase your total costs.
Depth
If the contractor needs to dig deeper to install the pipe, you'll also see costs increase due to additional labor. That's why shallow French or curtain drains are less costly than deep French drains.
Landscape Repair
Keep in mind that installing a French drain might disturb your lawn or garden. Contractors don't include landscape repairs in their quotes. If you prefer not to handle the landscaping yourself, consider budgeting for the cost of landscaping repair, which ranges from $100 to $200.
Permits
Many states require building permits for any type of drainage system, whether it’s external or internal. Expect to pay a one-time fee of around $50 to $200 for a permit to build French drains in or around your home.
Inspection Costs
You may need to hire an inspector to check your drainage project once installation is complete. This often costs between $100 and $300. Always check local rules before digging, and call 811 to have utility lines marked.
Irrigation Ditch Installation
Some homeowners opt to connect their French drains to an irrigation ditch leading to a nearby stream or other water channel. Installing an irrigation ditch costs about $0.50 to $1 per square foot, depending on the depth and terrain.
Interior French Drain Cost
Installing an interior French drain costs between $5,000 and $18,000. The total cost depends on factors such as whether it's installed in your basement or crawl space and whether you're including a sump pump installation as part of the project.
Interior Perimeter or Basement French Drain Cost
Interior basement French drains cost an average of $40 to $100 per linear foot, totaling $5,000 to $18,000. Most basements need between 100 and 150 linear feet of drain.
These foundation drains, also known as drain tiles or perimeter drains, require more work and materials because contractors need to install the drain pipe under the concrete. Often, they require specialized membranes for drainage.
Cost to Install a Sump Pump and French Drain
On its own, sump pump installation costs $500 to $2,000. You don't always need to install both at the same time, but they're often paired together. The sump pump collects the water from the channel and removes it from the home, enhancing the effectiveness of your drainage system.
The two systems work together to prevent water from backing up. The drain tile or perforated pipe of the French drain allows perimeter water to flow into the sump basin, which is set lower than the tile. The sump pump then sends the water outside your home to a storm drain or your internal sewage outlet, where allowed.
If you pair a sump pump with an interior French drain, consider adding a battery backup to ensure the pump continues to operate during power outages.
Exterior Perimeter French Drain Cost
Exterior perimeter weeping tiles and French drains cost an average of $500 to $10,000, depending on the depth of the excavation required and the size of your home's footprint. You can expect to budget $10 to $50 per linear foot.
| Exterior Drain Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Curtain drain | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Deep French drain | $2,000–$10,000 |
Curtain Drain Cost
Curtain drains cost an average of $1,000 to $5,000, or $10 to $25 per linear foot. They're installed about two feet deep next to your foundation and slope away from the house. Unlike deep drains, curtain drains only divert surface water, such as rain and roof runoff, while deep French drains can also handle groundwater.
Cost to Install a French Drain in the Yard
Installing a French drain in your yard costs an average of $30 to $90 per linear foot, or between $2,000 and $10,000 total. They're installed to drain off standing water. You might also attach them to buried downspouts or a perimeter drain to move water away from your foundation.
Retaining Wall Installation
French drains aren’t the only solution to flooding problems. If you notice damage to your retaining wall, excess runoff might be the cause. A French drain can help protect it by redirecting water away from the area. Keep in mind that installing or replacing a retaining wall costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on the wall’s size and materials. A trench drain can help divert excess water and prevent pooling.
Some signs a French drain may be right for your property include:
You experience basement flooding: Regular flooding in your basement, even minor, suggests that a French drain could be beneficial.
Retaining wall issues: If you notice damage to your retaining wall, excess runoff might be the cause. A French drain can help protect it by redirecting water away from the area.
You live in a wet climate: Even without visible flooding, living in an area with heavy rainfall means you might benefit from a French drain to prevent future issues.
French drains aren’t the only solution to flooding problems. Consult with a professional contractor to discuss the cost of installing drainage systems and determine which solution is most suitable for your home.
DIY vs. Hire a French Drain Installer
While installing a French drain might seem like a manageable DIY project, it's best to hire a local professional French drain installer, especially for drains around your basement or home perimeter. Professionals possess the expertise to locate and avoid buried utility lines, ensuring proper installation and preventing costly mistakes.
Remember, before any digging, you're legally required to call 811 to check for underground utilities. A professional will handle this for you, ensuring your project complies with all regulations.
Get quotes from experienced French drain contractors to make sure the system is installed correctly and protects your home for decades.
Budgeting for French Drain Installation
To keep your French drain installation within budget, consider the following tips:
Obtain at least three quotes from qualified drainage contractors to compare prices and installation approaches before committing.
Budget an additional 10 to 15% beyond your initial estimate for unexpected issues, such as rocky soil or utility line rerouting.
Consider combining your French drain installation with other waterproofing projects to save on mobilization costs and get package pricing.
Ask about financing options—many drainage specialists offer payment plans that let you spread costs over 12 to 36 months.
Prioritize quality materials, such as fabric-wrapped pipes and proper gravel, which may cost more upfront but will prevent expensive repairs in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expect a well-built French drain to last 30 to 40 years. By channeling both surface- and ground-water away from your foundation, the system relieves hydrostatic pressure and helps prevent costly structural damage. Choose a pipe with a quality cloth filter to keep sediment out and extend the drain’s life. A quick annual inspection and routine cleanouts will keep water flowing freely, ensuring the system continues to protect your home for years to come.
Most French drains sit two feet below grade, but depth ultimately depends on the problem you’re solving. For puddling rainwater or snowmelt, a shallow curtain drain at lawn level often does the trick. To handle rising groundwater, pros dig deeper, down to the footing, and run the pipe beneath the basement slab. A drainage contractor will determine the optimal depth for your specific soil conditions and water issues.
A properly installed interior French drain captures water at the slab, channels it to a sump pit, and directs it safely outside, preventing basement floods before they occur. Because the pipe sits just under the floor edge, a plumber can reach it easily for cleaning or repairs. Pairing the drain with a reliable sump pump gives you the best long-term protection.
Hire a contractor who installs drainage systems every day—typically a foundation specialist, drainage contractor, experienced landscaper, or plumber with waterproofing experience. These pros understand slope, soil, and local codes, and they have the equipment to trench safely around utilities. Ask for references and photos of recent jobs to be sure they can design a system that keeps water off your foundation for decades.
Once the drain is in, patch the yard by reseeding bare spots or replacing plants the crew removed. Inside, look for ways to add value—finishing the basement or upgrading interior waterproofing while the space is open often costs less now than later. Schedule a quick annual checkup to flush sediment and confirm the pipe and sump pump are clear. Consistent maintenance ensures the drain functions properly and protects your investment.
Most policies don’t cover the cost of repairing a French drain itself, but they may provide coverage for water damage if the system fails. Coverage varies by insurer, so be sure to read the fine print or contact your agent before any issues arise. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, consider a separate flood policy to close the gap. Knowing your coverage in advance helps you budget for repairs and avoid unexpected costs.
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