What is the average cost of a drainage system?

Author: Wilhelm Ruecker IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The average cost to install a yard drainage system is $4,617, but this project can range from as low as $800 for small-scale fixes to $15,000 for full-scale solutions. The average cost to install a drainage system in a yard is $4,617, though most homeowners spend between $2,120 and $7,114.

How much does it cost to install a drainage system?

A drainage system costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $1,000 to $4,000 for exterior yard and landscape applications, and $40 to $85 per linear foot or $4,000 to $12,000 for a basement or interior perimeter drain. An exterior footing or drain tile installation costs $6,000 to $15,000.

How do you calculate the amount of a drainage system?

Step by Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Calculate total roof area. Calculate the total roof area by multiplying its length by width. ...
  2. Step 2: Determine leader size. Determine leader or pipe size. ...
  3. Step 3: Find rainfall rate. ...
  4. Step 4: Find the area handled by one drain. ...
  5. Step 5: Calculate drains needed.

How expensive is yard drainage?

The Cost of Landscape Drainage

In general, larger projects cost more than smaller ones. High-quality materials also cost more. You can generally expect to pay between USD $30 and $1,000 per linear foot of channel drain. However, more complex situations may cost up to $150 per linear foot.

How much does a drainage plan cost?

Installing a drainage system typically ranges from $2,545 to $8,531 for most homeowners, with an average cost of approximately $5,536. Simple drainage solutions can start around $600, while more complex installations can escalate to as high as $21,600.

French Drain, How Much Does It Really Cost?

Why is drainage so expensive?

Sewer work is expensive because of the labor-intensive process involved, which includes excavation, pipe removal, and installation of a new one. It requires significant manual labor and expertise, driving up the overall cost.

Does insurance cover drainage?

Standard homeowners policies typically won't cover blocked pipes from tree roots or any type of sewage backup. However, many insurers, including Progressive, offer an endorsement to your policy that may cover sewer line damage.

How much should I charge to install drainage?

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.

What is best for drainage in a yard?

Our team at The Grounds Guys of Gettysburg wants to help you protect your landscape from excessive water and flooding with these attractive drainage ideas for your backyard.
  1. Utilize Plants and Mulch. ...
  2. Use Landscaping Rocks Under a Downspout. ...
  3. Dig Swales to Divert Rainwater. ...
  4. Incorporate Gravel in Edging. ...
  5. Design a Rain Garden.

How deep should a drainage field be?

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.

What is the rate of drainage?

Rate of drainage is a term used in land drainage, i.e. dewatering through an underground pipe system. The rate of drainage gives the flow rate per unit area of land to be drained; e.g. for polders (dyked land), the rate of drainage amounts to approximately 0.7 to 0.8 l / s and hectare (10,000 m2).

How much roof can a 4 drain pipe handle?

Example: For a 4" hourly rainfall and 4" leader, each drain can handle 4,600 sq. ft. of roof area.

What is a good slope for drainage?

Regardless of surface characteristics, when it comes to surface drainage, slope is the most important issue to consider. For efficient drainage, paved surfaces should have a minimum 1-percent slope. Turf or landscaped areas should have a minimum slope of 2 percent.

How long do drainage systems last?

The length of time your sewer line lasts will vary depending on the material your pipes are made from. Brass, galvanised steel, and cast-iron pipes tend to have a lifespan of around 80-100 years, whereas copper lasts 70-80 years and PVC pipes last between 24-45 years.

How much does a 50 foot French drain cost?

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.

How much does it cost to install a drip system?

The average cost of a residential drip irrigation system is $520, with most homeowners paying $310 to $815 for drip irrigation installation. Residential drip irrigation systems typically include one watering zone that supports a 100 – 275 square foot garden, so expect to pay about $3.25 per square foot.

How much does a backyard drainage system cost?

The average cost to install a drainage system in a yard is $4,617, though most homeowners spend between $2,120 and $7,114. The installation cost ranges between $30 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the type of drainage system.

What are the three types of drainage systems?

Understanding the Types of Drainage Systems
  • Surface Drainage System. Surface drainage systems remove excess water from the land's surface through channels or ditches. ...
  • Subsurface Drainage System. Subsurface drainage systems are implemented beneath the top layer of soil. ...
  • Slope Drainage System. ...
  • Downspouts and Gutter Systems.

Do landscapers fix drainage problems?

Hire a Landscape Drainage Professional

You want to fix any drainage issues you have as soon as possible, and one way of doing that is by hiring a landscaping company. Depending on the complexity of your drainage issue, this is one of the landscape projects that, many times, should be left to a professional.

How much does it cost to replace a drainage system?

Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair. Replacing a full drain system can run between $15,000 and $20,000. Find the best plumbing pros in your area.

How deep should a drainage system be?

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.

How much does it cost to get a sewer system installed?

The average cost of sewer line installation is $3,469 and ranges between $1,425 and $5,755. If your home is connected to a sewer system, it enables you to do the dishes, wash your hands, take a shower, or even just flush the toilet.

Do homeowners cover the sewer line?

In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.

Does homeowners insurance go up after a claim?

After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.

What is the minimum cover for drainage?

The minimum allowable depth of cover for underground drainage pipes must be at least 0.8 metres below the ground level. The minimum cover should be at least 100mm thick, although the minimum depth may be slightly lower. For drains close to foundations, extra access chambers may be necessary.

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