Do plumbers install French drains?

Author: Camila Bahringer  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

French drain installation specialists, landscapers, foundation repair technicians, basement waterproofers, and plumbers can complete this job.

How much do French drains cost to install?

French drains (aka weeping tile, perimeter drains, agricultural drains, and rock drains) are an easy-to-install solution for your drainage problems. Clients pay an average price of $5,000 to have a French drain installed professionally, with most homeowners paying $1,650 – $12,250.

Who installs a French drain system?

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.

Do landscapers put in French drains?

Landscapers have the expertise to work the French drain installation into your existing landscape design, ensuring it not only functions well but also doesn't interfere with your yard's aesthetics.

What kind of contractor does French drains?

Landscapers commonly install French drains to solve water problems in the yard. A basement waterproofing company or one of the best foundation repair companies (such as Basement Systems or Olshan) can tackle drainage problems around the home's perimeter.

How to Install a French Drain | The Home Depot

Do plumbers work on French drains?

French drain installation is a service offered by a diverse range of professionals from landscapers to plumbers to foundation specialists. These professionals bring a varied skill set to the project, often integrating the drainage system seamlessly with other landscaping or construction work.

Are French drains worth the money?

Efficient Water Management

Preventing Basement Flooding: French drains, particularly exterior French drains, are excellent at keeping basements dry by channeling water away from the foundation before it can seep inside. This can significantly reduce the risk of basement flooding and the associated costly repairs.

Where not to put a French drain?

Clay soil has poor permeability, meaning it doesn't allow water to pass through easily. In such cases, the effectiveness of a French drain may be limited as the water may struggle to drain away from the area efficiently. French drains may not be suitable for areas with high water tables.

Do plumbers deal with outside drains?

Blocked drain outside: DIY fix

If you're at all in doubt, call a professional plumber or drainage expert who will have the tools to unblock the drain quickly and efficiently. Don't attempt anything you're not sure about.

Do you have to be licensed to install a French drain?

In most cases, if you own the property and plan to install a French drain within your property boundaries, you may not need a permit. However, if the drain is intended to direct water onto neighboring properties, a permit might be necessary.

When should a French drain be installed?

When to Consider Installing a French Drain
  1. Foundation Damage Due to Poor Drainage. If your home experiences flooding or foundational damage due to groundwater, rain, or snowmelt, a French drain may take care of the problem for good. ...
  2. Hydrostatic Pressure on Retaining Walls. ...
  3. Flooding or Excess Surface Water.

How do I fix poor water drainage in my yard?

Drainage and soggy lawns – what you should do now before the...
  1. Aerate your lawn. ...
  2. Amend the soil. ...
  3. Regrade your yard. ...
  4. Build a retaining wall. ...
  5. Install a French drain. ...
  6. Dig a dry well or catch basin. ...
  7. Install a dry creek bed or a rain garden.

Does a French drain add value?

French drains are an invaluable asset for any homeowner. Their effectiveness in managing water, preventing erosion, protecting homes, and increasing property value make them a worthwhile investment.

What are the disadvantages of a French drain?

Disadvantages of French Drains
  • Difficulty of Installation. It takes a lot of know-how to install a French drainpipe underground, and there are several safety concerns. ...
  • External Pipe Clogs. Even an above-ground French pipe can become clogged more frequently than one buried underground. ...
  • Mud-Related Clogging.

Are French drains tax deductible?

With stormwater, most likely, your drainage systems would fall under land improvements. Stormwater best management practices such as french drains, downspouts and gutter systems, bioswales, and dry wells could qualify as depreciable assets.

What is an alternative to a French drain?

Gravel trenches are a simpler version of the French drain. While they're less efficient, they can be a good option for less severe drainage issues. Water is directed into a trench lined with landscape fabric and filled with gravel.

Who is responsible for outside drains?

Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

Do plumbers work with drains?

Depending on the company you hire, many plumbers may also take care of drain issues – but know that not every plumber works on drains.

What is the drain outside my house called?

A sewer drain , also known as a house sewer, is a mandatory part of any home's.

What's better, a French drain or a trench drain?

Trench drains are beneficial for controlling floor water earlier than they can saturate the floor. In contrast, French drains seize and ship groundwater and surface water from a unique area to a septic tank or fantastic drainage device. If you are concerned about water on the surface, a trench drain is possible.

How far away from the house should the French drain be?

Distance from Foundation

A general rule of thumb is that a french drain should be installed around three feet away from the foundation of a home, but this can vary depending on individual landscaping factors such as where the water is pooling and where gutters are already aligned.

How long will a French drain last?

How long does a French drain last? A French drain should last at least 10 years, although it often has a lifespan of three or four decades when properly maintained. Sometimes sand or silt infiltrates the pipe over time, making it eventually useless.

What is the average cost of putting in a French drain?

Depending on the placement and length of the PVC pipe, you can expect to pay between $2,800 and $6,500 for a French drain. The national average cost of a French drain, across projects of all sizes, is $5,000.

How often should French drains be cleaned?

Just like other types of drains, they are susceptible to clogging over time. Ideally, clean the French drain once every year.

Which is better French drain or channel drain?

If you want a drainage system that is less visible or installed around the perimeter of your property, French drains are generally a better choice. However, if you have a high-traffic area where water needs to be quickly and efficiently redirected, channel drains may be the better option.

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