French drain installation cost per linear foot
| Drain type | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yard or shallow exterior drain | $10–$50 | Shallow trench in the yard |
| Deep exterior drain around the foundation | $30–$100 | Digs down to the footing; sources disagree on price |
| Interior basement drain | $40–$100 | Cut into the basement floor and usually paired with a sump pump |
These are installed prices per linear foot, covering digging, pipe, gravel and labor, with the labor share adjusted for your state. A sump pump, an inspection, landscape restoration and a permit are separate lines in the calculator. Enter the drain length for the project total.
What changes the price
Depth and location decide most of the cost. A shallow yard drain is a trench with pipe and gravel, while a deep or interior drain means heavy digging or breaking out the basement floor. Rocky or clay soil, limited access and long runs add labor. Tying the drain into a storm sewer or a sump adds a connection and sometimes a fee.
Extra costs to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Sump pump | $500–$2,000 | Interior drains need one to drain properly |
| Inspection | $100–$300 | If you want an independent check |
| Landscape restoration | $100–$200 | Repairing lawn after digging |
| Permit | $50–$200 | Some towns require one |
Ask where the water will go. A French drain needs a place to exit, such as a lower part of the yard, a dry well or a storm drain, and the cost and rules for that differ by town. The calculator leaves permits unticked because many exterior drains do not need one.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price per linear foot for digging, pipe, gravel and fabric?
- How deep is the trench, and where does the water exit?
- Does the quote cover restoring the lawn or concrete?
- Is a sump pump needed, and is it included?
- What is the warranty, and what happens if the drain clogs?
Methodology and sources
We price each drain type as an installed price per linear foot, adjust the labor share for your state's construction wages, and price the sump pump, inspection, restoration and permit separately. Read how we estimate costs.
- HomeAdvisor: French drain — prices by type, permits, inspection
- Fixr: French drain installation — prices by type, labor, permits
- HomeGuide: French drain cost — prices by type, trenching, sump pump
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 47-2061, Construction Laborers) — state labor index, a site-work proxy
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor |
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| Fixr |
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| HomeGuide |
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Common questions about french drain installation costs
How much does french drain installation cost?
A typical job (100 ft yard drain) comes to about $2,500 nationally, within a range of $1,000 to $5,000. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 3 published cost pages from 3 publishers, last checked Oct 8, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 3 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.
- HomeAdvisor: exterior perimeter drains $10 to $50 and curtain drains $10 to $25 per linear foot (updated Jun 2026)
- Fixr: shallow exterior drains $10 to $50 per linear foot, averaging $25 (updated Jan 2025)
- HomeGuide: exterior yard drains $10 to $30 and curtain drains $10 to $35 per linear foot (written Feb 2026, no update date)