French Drain Cost
An exterior yard French drain usually costs about $15 to $50 per linear foot installed. An interior basement drain tile system with a sump pump often runs $3,000 to $10,000 or more for a whole basement. It works best for water that collects from saturated soil, not for water from gutters and downspouts.
Typical pro cost
$1,500 to $10,000
- Urgency
- Plan ahead
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Time to fix
- 1 to 3 days (pro)
- Prices
- US typical range
Last reviewed September 2026
Signs it's this problem
- Puddles that stay in the yard for days
- Soggy ground next to the foundation
- Water entering where the basement floor meets the wall
- Damp basement after heavy rain
Common causes
Saturated soil
Clay soil and high water tables hold water against the foundation.
Poor grading
Ground that slopes toward the house sends water to the walls.
No footing drain
Many older homes have no working drain tile around the footing.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Fix gutters, downspouts and grading first. They solve many water problems for far less money.
- 2
Map where water collects and where it could drain: a lower part of the yard, a dry well or the street where allowed.
- 3
For a yard drain, dig a trench sloped at least 1 inch per 8 feet, line it with filter fabric, add gravel and a perforated pipe, then more gravel.
- 4
For basements, compare interior drain tile with a sump pump against exterior excavation.
- 5
Call 811 before any digging to mark underground utilities.
- 6
Get 2 to 3 quotes that specify length, depth, pipe type, fabric and discharge point.
Tools and materials
- Shovel or trencher rental
- Perforated drain pipe
- Drainage gravel
- Filter fabric
- Level
Approximate DIY cost: $10–$25 per foot
Call a pro when
- Interior basement drain tile
- Trenches deeper than 4 feet or near the foundation
- Water must be pumped to reach a discharge point
French Drain Cost cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Yard French drain, per linear foot | $15–$50 |
| Interior basement drain tile system | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Exterior foundation drain with excavation | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Sump pump added to a drain system | $1,000–$2,500 |
Ranges are typical US prices compiled by FixHomeCost. Prices vary by region, home and contractor, so compare 2–3 local quotes.
Common questions
Is a French drain worth it?
Yes, when groundwater or soggy soil is the real cause. If water comes from gutters or poor grading, fix those first, since they cost far less.
How long does a French drain last?
A well-built drain with filter fabric can last 30 to 40 years. Without fabric, silt can clog it in a few years.
Interior or exterior French drain: which is better?
Exterior drains stop water before it reaches the wall but require excavation. Interior systems cost less and are the common choice for existing basements.
Does a French drain need a sump pump?
Only if there is no lower spot for the water to drain to by gravity. Interior basement systems almost always need one.
Related guides
This is general information, not a professional inspection. See how we research costs.