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.
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.
Dig a trench from the place in your yard that needs drainage to your chosen outlet. Check for underground utility lines and pipes before digging. The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you.
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.
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.
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.
Connect with local French drain experts to help with your project. Installing a French drain yourself is possible but labor-intensive and time-consuming. Call 811 a week or two before you start your project to get your buried utility lines marked.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clogging and Blockages
Clogging is one of the leading causes of French drain failure, often due to root intrusion or sediment build-up.
French drain installation specialists, landscapers, foundation repair technicians, basement waterproofers, and plumbers can complete this job.
Aside from what we've listed here, the difference between a French drain and a trench drain is that a French drain is used for water that is underground while a trench drain diverts excess water from a surface.
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.
Lawn care expenses can be deducted on your federal tax return if you maintain a home office, according to Crystal Stranger, author of The Small Business Tax Guide.
WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE.
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.
The primary difference between yard drainage systems is that French drains move water below ground level, or subsurface water, and yard drains manage surface water. The installation methods and materials also differ for each system.
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.
The type of drain and its length determine total cost. 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.
In some cases, the installation of a French drain may require planning permission from your local planning authority, especially if the drain is part of a larger construction project. You should consult your local planning authority for guidance on any necessary permissions and requirements.
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.