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French Drain Cost Calculator (2026)
Price a French drain by type, length, soil, and where the water will go. Itemized 2026 installed prices.
| Item | Typical |
|---|---|
| Yard French drain (18–24 in deep) | $3,000 |
| Pop-up emitter outlet | $300 |
Installed prices including labor and materials. Your quotes can differ with site conditions.
French drain cost by length and type
Prices below assume normal soil and a daylight outlet.
| Length | Yard drain | Footing drain | Interior drain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $750 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| 100 ft | $1,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| 150 ft | $2,250 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $18,000 | $7,500 – $16,500 |
| 200 ft | $3,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $24,000 | $10,000 – $22,000 |
Cost by component
| Item | Unit | Price range | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard French drain | per linear ft | $20 – $50 | $30 |
| Exterior footing drain | per linear ft | $50 – $120 | $80 |
| Interior basement drain | per linear ft | $50 – $110 | $80 |
| Pop-up emitter | per outlet | $150 – $500 | $300 |
| Dry well | per dry well | $1,000 – $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Sump pump tie-in | per system | $1,200 – $3,000 | $1,900 |
| Cut and restore hardscape | per linear ft | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Types of French drains
Yard drain
A shallow trench, usually 18–24 inches deep, filled with gravel around a perforated pipe. It collects surface and shallow ground water from soggy lawns and low spots and carries it away. This is the cheapest type.
Footing drain
A drain laid at the bottom of the foundation, next to the footing, to relieve water pressure on basement walls. Adding one to an existing house means digging down 6–8 feet along the wall, which is why it costs several times more per foot.
Interior drain
A drain cut into the basement floor along the walls, feeding a sump pump. It is the core of most basement waterproofing systems.
Where the water goes
- Daylight: the pipe exits on a slope or into a ditch. Cheapest and most reliable.
- Pop-up emitter: a cap in the lawn that opens when water flows. Good for flat yards.
- Dry well: an underground tank or pit that lets water soak in. Needs soil that drains.
- Sump pump: for drains lower than any outlet. Adds pump and electrical costs.
Call 811 before digging. It is free and required by law in every state. Utility lines are marked within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a French drain cost per foot?
A yard French drain costs $20 – $50 per linear foot installed. A deep footing drain along the foundation runs $50 – $120, and an interior basement drain $50 – $110.
How much does a 100 ft French drain cost?
A 100-foot yard French drain that daylights to a slope costs about $1,500 – $5,000, typically $3,000.
Do French drains really work?
Yes, when they have enough slope (at least 1% or 1 inch per 8–10 feet), are wrapped in filter fabric, and have a real outlet. Most failures come from no outlet, flat pipe, or soil clogging the gravel.
How long does a French drain last?
A well-built French drain lasts 30–40 years. In clay or silty soil it may clog in 10–15 years without filter fabric.
Can I install a French drain myself?
A shallow yard drain is a common DIY project. Materials run about $5–$15 per foot, and you can rent a trencher. Footing drains and interior basement drains involve deep digging or cutting concrete and are best left to pros.