The cost of a French drain depends on your needs, but on average, prices range from $2,800 to $6,500 for professional installation. Depending on several factors we'll cover in this guide, you might spend as little as $500 or as much as $18,000.
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.
Typical labour costs for drainage system installation: Hourly Rate for Tradespeople: £15 - £30 per hour. Total Labour Cost Estimate for Medium-sized Projects: £600 - £1,400.
French drain installation specialists, landscapers, foundation repair technicians, basement waterproofers, and plumbers can complete this job.
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.
French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.
Interior French drains are meant for waterproofing the basement or draining your crawl space. They cost more because contractors must tear out the basement floor (most often made of concrete), install the drain, and then repair it.
If installing the drain involves diverting a stream or affecting a wetland, you likely need a permit to move forward. Generally, a small French drain on your property that doesn't change the flow of runoff entering and exiting your yard won't need a permit.
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.
Channel or trench drain installation costs around $30 to $100 per linear foot. Complex installs can cost up to $150 per linear foot.
Drainage field construction
Pipes should be laid on a 300mm layer of clean shingle or broken stone (graded between 20mm and 50mm) at a minimum depth of 500mm and a uniform gradient not steeper than 1:200.
Never fear, an interior French drain can be installed in one or two days with the help of an expert crew. Plastic shields are put in place to keep dust from entering your home, and the trench dug for the French drain is covered with fast setting concrete. Dust and debris are cleaned and moved from your basement.
An alternative to the French drain, the NDS EZ-Drain installs without gravel, saving a lot of time and money. EZ-Drain bundles consist of fabric, lightweight gravel substitute, and pipe. It's like an entire yard drainage system, bundled neatly together.
You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you're using a 4" drain pipe. On the other hand, you would need around 0.6 cubic feet of gravel if you're using a 6" drain pipe.
In total, the cost to install a French drain on a residential property should be between $20 and $50 per linear foot, or $2,000 to $5,000 on average for a 100-foot drain. This cost would include the French drain materials, labor, and excavation.
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.
Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years. However, the above-mentioned factors may shorten its life cycle and it must then be replaced by a team of foundation experts.
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.
A French drain needs to be surrounded by gravel in order to filter out silt and prevent clogging the drain pipe.
A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.
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.
Poorly installed French drains can cause water to pool around your house's foundation and seep into the basement or crawlspace, leading to wet floors and walls. This moisture can damage furniture and flooring, and lead to mold and mildew growth.
French drains are best suited for properties with moderate to severe water drainage issues, particularly in areas with heavy rain or poor soil drainage.