If you’re asking yourself, how much does a French drain cost in 2022, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn all the different factors that go into the cost of a French drain. We also teach you the difference between a French drain and a drain tile system because sometimes, the two are easily confused.

How Much Does A French Drain Cost?

A French drain usually costs around $500 to $18,000, with the national average being $5,000. Here are some factors that play a part in the cost.

  • Labor – Installing a French drain can require a lot of work. You’ll learn later in this article that French drains can be installed in your basement or crawl space. These are called drain tile systems. To install a drain tile system, workers will need to break apart the concrete in your basement floor with a jackhammer. These drains can also be installed outside your basement walls, so the dirt around your foundation will need to be removed using shovels or small excavators.
  • Permits – Most neighborhoods or communities require permits before any work is done near your home’s foundation. Experts usaully pay around $50 to $100 per permit.
  • Type and material – The pipes used in French drains usually run around $50 to $200 total, or $0.50 to $3 per linear foot. This also depends on the quality of the pipe and whether it comes with a “sock,” which is a fabric cover made of nylon that keeps sediment out of the pipe. The gravel or washed stone the pipe sits in can range from $500 to $1,000.
  • Location – French drains that sit underneath your yard usually cost less than drains that sit inside your basement or outside your foundation walls.
  • Size, length, and depth – French drains placed inside your basement usually surround the entire perimeter of your foundation and typically need around 100 to 150 feet of pipe. These drains are placed right below your concrete. French drains placed in your yard don’t require as much pipe and are placed right below your grass.

For more information see, Sealing Your Basement Wall Floor Joint Using A Drain Tile System.

photo of a french drain

Other Cost Factors

Other cost factors include,

  • Inspection – Some neighborhoods require an inspector to sign off on the work before the French drain is covered with soil, gravel, or concrete.
  • Soil content – Outdoor French drains need to be placed underneath your yard. If the soil is harder to dig through, it can add to the labor expenses.
  • Landscaping – Once your French drain is installed in your yard, you’ll need to hire a landscaper (or do it yourself) to replace the grass that was removed. In most cases, experts will cut your grass into sections and return them over your French drain once it’s installed.
  • Irrigation ditch – French drains placed in your yard need a place to deposit collected water. If you don’t have a street gutter or storm drain, experts will need to build an irrigation ditch. Another alternative is installing a dry well (an underground structure that disposes of unwanted water).
  • Sump pump – Most drain tile systems are connected to a sump pump, a device that ejects collected water out of your basement or crawl space. Sump pumps usually cost around $150 to $400.

The Difference Between Drain Tile And A French Drain

The term “French drain” can describe pipes placed under your basement, outside your foundation walls, or under your yard. Experts call French drains placed near your foundation “drain tile.” Interior drain tile systems are placed directly underneath your basement floor. These pipes collect rising groundwater that’s trying to seep through your floor and cove joints (the space where your basement wall meets your basement floor).

Exterior drain tile systems are placed right outside your foundation walls near your concrete footer. These pipes help collect water that builds up outside your foundation walls, helping prevent hydrostatic pressure.

Why Would I Need A French Drain?

Interior and exterior drain tile systems help prevent water from getting into your basement. Seeping water can lead to mold growth, mildew, wood rot, and pest infestations. On the more serious side, water buildup outside your basement can lead to structural damage, such as cracks and bowing walls. If you place a French drain under your yard, you help prevent water pooling up on your property. This can cause your soil to soak up too much water, which can lead to hydrostatic pressure and expansive soil.

  • Hydrostatic pressure – This is when water builds up outside your basement and pushes your walls inward, causing them to bow or crack.
  • Expansive soil – This is when soil soaks up too much water and expands, pushing against your basement walls. French drains can also help prevent water from seeping into the soil underneath your sidewalk or concrete slab, which can cause them to sink or settle.

Who Installs French Drains Near Me?

If you need a French drain installed under your yard, in your basement, or outside your foundation walls, call Foundation Professionals Of Florida. We’ll come out and inspect your property, determine the best place to install a French drain, and give you a free estimate. We service Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virgin Islands, and the Florida Keys. We also provide foundation repair, basement waterproofing, concrete leveling, and more.