French Drain Cost Calculator (2026)
By Dan Whitlock, Home Projects Editor · Updated July 2026
A french drain is priced by the linear foot, and the number hinges on where it goes. In 2026, an exterior yard drain runs about $10 to $65 per foot, while an interior basement system runs roughly $40 to $100 per foot because the crew has to break out concrete, install the drain, and re-pour. A typical 100-foot exterior run lands near $2,500 to $6,500. Depth, excavation difficulty, and tying in a sump pump all move the total. Enter your run length below to estimate.
Estimate your cost
Total linear feet of drain. A yard run is often 50–150 ft; a basement perimeter depends on the foundation.
Labor and materials swing with local cost of living.
Estimated french drain cost
$2,500 – $6,500
Most homeowners pay around $4,000
Cost breakdown
- 100 × ~$40$4,000
Planning estimate based on 2026 national price data — not a quote. Get local quotes to confirm.
Free, no obligation. We may earn a commission if you request quotes — it never changes your price.
What drives your french drain cost
- Length: excavation, gravel, and pipe all scale with linear feet, so the length of the run is the biggest driver.
- Interior vs. exterior: an interior basement drain costs roughly twice an exterior one per foot because concrete has to be cut and re-poured.
- Depth: a deeper, footing-level trench costs more to dig than a shallow curtain drain, especially in clay or rocky soil.
- Sump pump: adding or tying into a sump pump adds about $650–$2,000 to move collected water away from the foundation.
- Access and finish: tight side yards, landscaping, and patching sod or concrete afterward add labor and restoration cost.
Ready for real numbers?
A calculator gets you the fair range. Local quotes confirm it for your exact home. Comparing 2–3 pros is the single best way to avoid overpaying on a french drain.
Free, no obligation. We may earn a commission if you request quotes — it never changes your price.
Ways to save
- Solve the problem at the surface first — regrading or extending downspouts is cheaper than a full drain if that’s the real issue.
- An exterior drain costs far less per foot than an interior one, so address grading and outside water before opening the basement floor.
- Get the whole run trenched in one mobilization rather than in phases.
- Handle simple sod removal and cleanup yourself where the crew allows it.
- Combine the drain with a sump pump in one job so the tie-in is priced together, not as a return trip.
Helpful products
Doing part of this yourself? These are the product categories most people buy for this job. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases — it never changes your price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a french drain cost in 2026?
An exterior yard french drain runs about $10 to $65 per linear foot installed, so a typical 100-foot run lands near $2,500 to $6,500. Interior basement drains cost more per foot.
Why does an interior french drain cost more than an exterior one?
An interior basement drain runs roughly $40–$100 per foot — about double an exterior drain — because the crew must jackhammer out the concrete floor, install the drain, and pour new concrete back over it.
How much does it cost to add a sump pump to a french drain?
Adding or tying in a sump pump typically costs about $650 to $2,000 on top of the drain. It’s often needed when water has to be pumped up and away rather than draining downhill.
What affects french drain cost the most?
Length and location drive the price. A long interior basement system with deep excavation and a sump pump can reach five figures, while a short exterior yard drain is far cheaper.
Sources
Price ranges cross-referenced against these 2026 cost guides and contractor databases:
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