Watch the water wash away from your home
French drains use gravity to move water away from the home and down through a pipe to an exit point.
Exit points include the street, a grassy area with heavy sun exposure, or an existing underground drainage system.
The cost to install a French drain ranges from $800 to $18,000.
If you’re installing a new drainage system in your yard, you’ll need to determine your French drain exit point. This key point is where the drain will deposit the excess water, so it should be a spot that won’t cause water damage to your home or the surrounding landscaping.
Our guide can help you understand how to select a French drain exit point and whether you can install one yourself or hire a French drain expert to complete the task.
French drains use slope to naturally direct water from a higher point to a lower point. The drain field, which is on the higher end, allows water to flow down and through a pipe. Once the water travels to the lower point, it exits the pipe and drains into the street or into a grassy slope.
Since the goal of a French drain is to move water away from your home and its foundation, you want to select an exit point that is in a drier area designed to carry runoff water. You should also install the exit point in a location that’s closest to your problem area (the spot where water tends to pool).
Check out these common options for French drain exit points.
Grassy slope: An exit point on a sunny, grassy slope can help absorb the water and allow it to evaporate with excess sunlight.
Street: You can also contact your local utility department to see if your home has a municipal storm drain system that can carry the water away.
Gutters: If your home has gutters that empty into an underground drain system, you can often tie in your French drain to this system.
Be aware that some city codes may require a backflow valve that your local French drain installation company may have to put in place for a fee.
French drains are complicated systems that handle serious amounts of water, so it’s best to avoid installing the exit points in the following locations:
Near erosion-prone areas, such as a dirt slope
Areas without vegetation
Near neighboring properties
Toward pavement, such as sidewalks or driveways
The cost to install a French drain ranges from $800 to $18,000, with $5,000 on average. The total cost depends on the size of your yard, drain size, type, and local labor costs. You can expect to pay on the higher end if your French drain system covers several acres of land, and requires extensive time to install multiple pipes. However, if you have a small yard with simple needs, your price will likely fall on the lower end.
The depth of a French drain needs to be 18 to 24 inches deep. The depth dimensions of a French drain can vary depending on the slope of your property, local codes or regulations, and the extent of your drainage problem. Consult a local French drain installer to determine the correct depth for your yard.
Yes, most landscapers should be able to install French drains. However, it’s best to hire a French drain installation company that specializes in this type of project. You may want to get multiple quotes from landscaping companies to get an idea of the average installation cost before hiring a professional to install a French drain system for you.
