How Much Does a French Drain Cost? [2026 Data]

Installing a French drain costs $500 to $18,000, with a national average of $9,250. On average, you can expect to pay $10 to $100 per linear foot, or between $500 and $5,000 to have a 50-foot French drain installed.

The final price will depend on several factors, including drain type and size, location, labor, and any permits you might need. Explore potential cost factors before budgeting for your French drain.

French Drain Installation Cost Factors

French drains come in a few different types and sizes. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of labor and the unique layout of your home—all of which impact your bottom line. Before having a French drain installed, here are some cost factors to consider. 

Drain Size and Type 

Two of the major factors that affect the cost of French drain installation are size and type. Bigger French drains cost more from both a material and labor standpoint. A standard-sized pipe fitting for most residential French drains is 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Expect to pay $10 to $100 per linear foot for your project, depending on depth, length, and material costs.

Common types of French drains are interior, exterior, curtain, deep, and yard trench. You can expect to pay the most for interior drains, while curtain drains are often the most inexpensive option. 

Location

Where you choose to have your French drain installed can also affect your total cost. Because installing interior French drains often requires concrete removal, you’ll usually pay more than for exterior French drains, which are trenches dug into a yard or near a crawl space. If your home is located on a hill or rocks and other obstacles must be moved prior to installation, you may pay more for labor.

Labor 

You should call a local French drain installation company for this job. Landscapers and some plumbers may also handle the installation of French drains. A fee of $50 to $100 per hour for this type of work is considered standard, although plumbers may charge more.

Permits

Many states require building permits for any type of drainage system, whether it’s external or internal. $50 to $200 (a one-time fee) for a permit to build French drains in or around your home is pretty standard.

Additional Costs to Consider 

In addition to the main costs we’ve discussed, there are additional costs you might want to account for when installing a French drain.

Inspection Costs

On top of state or county permits, you may need to hire an inspector to check out your drainage project once it’s complete, even if you do the installation yourself. Check with your local office before digging. Inspection can cost from $100 to $300 when preparing to have your French drain installed. 

Digging deeply into your yard in any capacity can also be dangerous if you're unsure of electrical, gas, or water main lines. Always call 811 (Dig Safe) before you dig.

Soil Content

Rich, moist soil that’s easy to dig makes DIY or contractor-installed French drains a pretty simple project. However, certain types of soil, like clay, can pose a challenge.

It’s not impossible to install French drains into soil with high clay content, but it’s much more difficult. While you’ll usually pay $50 to $100 per hour, labor costs will be higher if excavation in your yard is difficult.

Sump Pump Installation

In a home where flooding is persistent, some homeowners might choose to install a sump pump in conjunction with their new French drains. The sump pump collects the channeled water and removes it from the home. Sump pump installations cost $500 to $2,000 on average.

Landscaping Repair 

Do you have to remove an old tree or dig up grass to install your drains? This may also require you to hire a local landscaper to replace grass or plant new bushes where old obstacles were removed. The average cost for landscaping work is about $140, but varies greatly depending on the scope of the project.

Irrigation Ditch Installation

In some cases, connecting an irrigation ditch to your new French drains can channel water that might end up in your home to existing water sources nearby, such as a stream.

A local irrigation system specialist can give you a quote on how much your specific project might cost. On average, irrigation ditch installation costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot.  

Retaining Wall Installation

Sometimes French drain projects are done in conjunction with a retaining wall. This is common when building a driveway (or extending an existing one) to prevent water buildup from damaging your new wall. Quotes on these projects are highly specific to the work that needs to be done. However, installing a retaining wall costs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on average. 

Why You Should Hire a French Drain Installation Pro

French drain installation is considered a structural engineering project that often has strict code, permit, and environmental requirements. Aside from the complexity of this project, the risk for improper installation leaves your property vulnerable to flooding that could cause foundation issues for your home. While hiring a French drain installation pro near you brings the labor portion of this project's budget to 60 to 70%, the investment is more than worth the peace of mind.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a French drain installation pro

• Without experience, there's a risk you could hit underground utility lines.

• Incorrect placement of a drain could direct water runoff toward your home.

• French drain installers have the experience and tools to correct an improper slope, ensuring proper flow and drainage.

• Professionals also understand how to utilize specialized materials, such as fabric filters, gravel, and perforated pipes, to prevent clogs and extend the longevity of your drain system.

If you want to DIY a French drain installation

To reduce overall project costs, consider taking care of these smaller tasks on your own:

• Removing trees, shrubs, tall grass, or rocks from the area where the drain will be installed.

• Reseeding the grass in the area that has been trenched to create your French drain.

• Adding a dry creek bed using river rocks.

• Landscaping with water-loving plants around the drain.

How to Save on Costs to Install a French Drain

1. Keep Your Dirt

Some landscapers or excavation companies will remove the dirt when they dig your trench. This could wind up costing you more, as you’ll need to have new dirt brought in to replace the grass or bare patches created. Designate an area for workers to place the dirt so you can replace it yourself later.

2. Tackle What You Can DIY

Installing French drains isn’t just about digging a trench and inserting PVC, especially when other projects are being done at the same time (a sump pump installation, retaining wall project, etc.). Work with your contractor to divvy up the project—you’ll save money by completing certain tasks DIY.

3. Consider Installing Curtain Drains

Because curtain drains are built using a more shallow trench than traditional French drains, labor costs are lower. You may be able to save a couple hundred to $1,000 dollars by opting for curtain drains over French drains.

Who Installs French Drains?

If you’re ready to move ahead with installing a French drain in your yard, the next step is to determine the best type of professional to hire. To answer the question of who installs French drains—the answer is simple: French drain installation contractors. These specialized drainage pros have the skills, tools, and knowledge to tackle your project from start to finish, including assessing your yard and planning and executing the installation. Consult a French drain professional in your area to get started on your drainage project.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

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