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How Much Does A Drainage System Cost?

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Key Takeaways
Yard Drains: $1,000 – $8,000
Basement Drains: $4,000 – $12,000
Per Linear Foot: $5 – $85
Additional Projects: Add on costs for landscaping and plumbing tasks can impact total expenses

$1,000 – $4,000 Shallow Exterior Yard Drain Cost

A shallow exterior yard drain, often referred to as a curtain drain or surface-level French drain, typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000. These systems are designed to manage surface water and prevent yard flooding.

$4,000 – $15,000 Exterior / Interior Perimeter Drain Tile Cost

For more comprehensive water management, exterior or interior perimeter drain tile systems can be installed. These installations range from $4,000 to $15,000 depending on the complexity and size of the project.

Yard, Basement & Tile Drain Installation Cost

Understanding the cost of various drainage systems can help when planning your project. Below is a table summarizing the average costs for different types of drainage systems.

Drainage System Cost

TypeAverage Cost
Curtain / Shallow French Drain$1,000 – $4,000
Exterior Drain Tile (per side of house)$1,500 – $4,000
Crawl Space Interior Drain$800 – $3,000
Basement Interior Perimeter Drain$4,000 – $12,000
Yard Drainage System$1,200 – $8,000
Underground Downspout Extensions (each)$150 – $350
Window Well Drain$1,000 – $2,500
Dry Well / Vertical French Drain$300 – $1,500
Sump Pump$500 – $1,200
Swale / Irrigation Ditch$250 – $1,000
Yard Grading$500 – $3,000
Retaining Wall$2,500 – $7,000
Rain Garden$500 – $3,000

Average Cost Of Drainage System Work

The cost per linear foot for different yard drain installation types can vary widely.

Yard Drain Cost Per Foot

TypeCost Per Linear Foot
Shallow French Drain / Curtain Drain$10 – $30
Exterior French Drain$10 – $35
Interior Perimeter Drain$40 – $85
Trench or Channel Drain$30 – $150
Yard Drainage System$8 – $15
Catch Basin / Storm Drain$8 – $15
Underground Downspouts$15 – $35
Swale / Irrigation Ditch$5 – $15

French Drain Cost

Here are the costs associated with different types of French drains:

TypeCost per linear foot (LF)Average total cost
Surface-level French drain in yard$10 – $30$500 – $5,300
Curtain drain / shallow French drain$10 – $35$1,500 – $8,800
Exterior French drain / weeping tile around house (per side)$30 – $90$1,200 – $4,500
Interior perimeter French drain for basement$40 – $85$4,000 – $17,000
Interior French drain for crawl space$20 – $40$2,000 – $8,000

Cost To Install Trench or Channel Drain

Trench or channel drains are often installed in driveways to prevent water pooling. Below are the costs associated with these installations:

Driveway Trench or Channel Drain Cost

MaterialAverage Cost
1-Car (10′ – 12′ Width)$400 – $1,200
2-Car (20′ – 24′ Width)$800 – $2,400
1-Side (18′ – 30′ Length)$700 – $3,000

Sub-Surface Yard Drainage System Cost

Sub-surface yard drainage systems are effective at managing deeper water issues and typically cost between $1,000 and $8,000 depending on the complexity and coverage area.

Catch Basin & Storm Drain Installation Cost

Catch basins and storm drains are key elements of a comprehensive drainage system, and their installation costs range based on the materials and scope of the project.

Gutter & Downspout Drainage System Cost

Managing roof runoff is critical to protecting your home’s foundation. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with installing gutter and downspout drainage systems:

Downspout Drainage System Cost

SystemAverage Cost
Downspout Extension$5 – $25
Rain Barrel Kit$80 – $200
Bury Downspout Underground$150 – $350
Install Dry Well$300 – $1,500

Dry Well or Vertical French Drain Cost

These systems are used to handle excess water runoff by channeling it into a vertical, underground well filled with gravel, stone, or a prefabricated tank.

Dry Well or Vertical French Drain Cost

TypeAverage Cost
Gravel / Loose Stone$50 – $250
Prefabricated Plastic Tank$200 – $700
Concrete Tank$500 – $3,000+

Vertical French Drain Cost

Installing a vertical French drain can help with areas that have persistent water accumulation. Costs vary based on material and complexity, ranging from $300 to $1,500 for a basic system.

Cost To Install Window Well Drain

A window well drain installation is vital for preventing basement flooding and water damage. The cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the depth and complexity of the installation.

Landscape Drainage Cost

Landscaping projects often incorporate drainage solutions to handle water runoff efficiently.

Landscape Drainage Cost

SystemAverage Cost
Yard Grading$500 – $3,000
Rain Garden$500 – $3,000
Drainage Swale$5 – $15 per linear foot
Retaining Wall$15 – $40 per square foot

Drainage Swale Cost

A drainage swale or ditch can be an effective solution for directing surface water away from property. The cost per linear foot ranges from $5 to $15.

Yard Grading

Proper yard grading is essential for effective drainage. The cost can vary between $500 and $3,000 depending on the property size and existing landscape conditions.

Rain Garden

Installing a rain garden not only aids in drainage but also enhances the visual appeal of your yard. Costs range from $500 to $3,000.

Retaining Wall

Retaining walls can assist in managing water flow in sloped areas, and construction costs range from $15 to $40 per square foot.

Drainage System Costs By Type

Interior Perimeter Drain Cost

TypeAverage Cost
Crawl Space$800 – $3,000
Basement Perimeter$4,000 – $12,000

Basement Drain Tile Cost

Basement PerimeterSump PumpsAverage Cost
100′1$4,000 – $8,500
125′2$5,000 – $9,500
150′2$6,000 – $10,500
175′2$7,000 – $11,500
200′2$8,000 – $12,000

Cost To Install Drainage System In Crawl Space

Installing a drainage system in a crawl space ranges from $800 to $3,000 and is crucial for preventing mold and maintaining structural integrity.

Exterior Backyard Drainage System Cost

Exterior Backyard Drainage System Cost

TypeAverage Cost
Curtain Drain$1,000 – $4,000
Perimeter / Weeping Drain Tile$6,000 – $15,000

Curtain Drain Cost

These are effective for redirecting surface water and generally cost between $1,000 and $4,000.

Exterior Weeping Drain Tile Installation Cost

Weeping drain tile systems around the exterior of a home can provide comprehensive water management and cost between $6,000 and $15,000.

Cost Factors To Install Home Drainage System

Several factors affect the cost of installing a drainage system, including the type of system, the complexity of the project, and whether any additional landscaping or plumbing work is required.

Additional Costs / Combining Projects

When planning your drainage system, consider if you need to budget for additional projects.

Additional Drainage Projects

ProjectAverage Cost
Install Sprinkler System Cost$1,800 – $5,200
Install Sump Pump Cost$500 – $1,200
Install Gutters Cost$750 – $2,300
Foundation Repair Cost$2,300 – $6,800
Basement Waterproofing$4,500 – $15,500
Install Landscaping Cost$2,000 – $4,000

Additional Landscaping Projects

WorkAverage Cost Per Square Foot
Yard Reseeding$0.04 – $0.18
Lawn Fertilization$0.02 – $0.06
Install Sod Cost$1.00 – $2.00
Concrete Work$5.00 – $10.00
Fill Dirt & Topsoil Delivery Cost$0.10 – $0.50

Yard Drainage Pipe

Understanding the various materials and costs involved in installing drainage pipes can help in budgeting your project.

Stormwater Pipe Cost

MaterialCost Per LFDescription
PVC$2.00 – $20.004 – 12 inch diameter; Sewer quality
Polyethylene$1.00 – $12.503 – 12 inch diameter; Flexible drainage tubing
Hi-Q Drainage Pipe$1.85 – $2.154 – 6 inch diameter; Corrugated high-density polyethylene
Concrete$14.50 – $22.506 – 12 inch diameter; Smooth wall; Non-Reinforced
Perforated Concrete$15.00 – $20.006 – 8 inch diameter; Non-Reinforced
Corrugated Metal Pipe$20.50 – $23.008 – 12 inch diameter; Galvanized

Drainage System Permit Cost

Permit costs for installing drainage systems typically range from $100 to $500 depending on local regulations and the extent of work required.

Installing A Sump Pump

A sump pump installation is vital for managing basement water. Costs range from $500 to $1,200, but it can significantly extend the life of your drainage system.

Drainage System Installation FAQs

Who Installs Drainage Systems?

Typically, licensed contractors, landscapers, or specialized drainage professionals install drainage systems.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Drainage Systems?

Homeowners insurance policies vary, but generally do not cover issues caused by poor drainage unless resulting from specific incidents like a burst pipe.

How Deep Should A Drainage System Be?

The depth of a drainage system depends on the type of system, but generally ranges from 1 to 2 feet for surface drains and can be deeper for other systems.

How Long Does It Take To Install A Drainage System?

The duration of installation varies but typically takes 1 to 3 days for simple systems and up to a week for more complex installations.

When Is The Best Time To Install A Drainage System?

The best time to install a drainage system is during the dry season when the soil is not saturated and easier to work with.

How To Tell If A Drainage System Is Working

Signs of a functional drainage system include the immediate disappearance of standing water and the absence of damp spots or mildew in basements.

What Are The Most Common Backyard Drainage Problems?

Common issues include standing water, muddy patches, waterlogged plants, and erosion.

How Long Does A Drainage System Last?

A properly installed drainage system can last for decades, with most systems having a lifespan of at least 20-30 years.

How Long Should A Drain Be?

The length of a drain varies by project and can range from a few feet for small garden areas to over a hundred feet for comprehensive yard drainage.

Where Does The Water From Drains Go?

Water from drains typically flows into a municipal stormwater system, a dry well, or a designated drainage area away from the home’s foundation.

DIY Drainage System Installation Cost

DIY installation of drainage systems can save significantly on labor costs. Below are common materials and their costs.

Drainage System Materials Cost

MaterialAverage Cost
Clean Gravel or Crushed Stone$15 – $75 per yard
Permeable Landscape Fabric$20 – $50 per 100′ roll
Rigid Plastic Perforated Drain Pipe$0.60 – $2.00 per foot
Drain Pipe Fittings$3 – $10 each
Downspout Leaf Separators$5 – $15 each
Catch Basin$20 – $70 each
Trencher Rental$100 – $200 per day
Backhoe Rental$200 – $350 per day
Machine Operator$50 – $100 per hour

How To Install Yard Drainage System

Detailed guides and tutorials are available online for those considering a DIY project. Ensure that all proper equipment and safety measures are in place before starting.

Hiring A Yard Drainage Contractor

Hiring a professional contractor can ensure proper installation and longevity of your drainage system.

Questions To Ask Drainage Companies

  1. Are they licensed and insured?
  2. Do they provide a warranty for their work?
  3. What is their experience with similar projects?
  4. Can they provide references?
  5. Do they handle all necessary permits?

By understanding the costs and intricacies involved in drainage system installation, homeowners can make informed decisions to protect their homes from water damage.

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