Installing a drainage system typically ranges from $2,545 to $8,531 for most homeowners, with an average cost of approximately $5,536. Simple drainage solutions can start around $600, while more complex installations can escalate to as high as $21,600. Factors such as the size of the property, the type of drainage system, and the complexity of the project will significantly influence the overall cost. Homeowners should carefully assess their specific needs and budget to determine the best solution for effective drainage management.
Exterior and Yard Drainage System Cost by Type
Drainage systems can vary widely in design and functionality, including French drain styles that utilize a perforated pipe buried in a gravel-filled trench. Surface-level drains may also employ variations of this method using metal and plastic channels. Other components of these systems include dry wells, sump pumps, downspout connections, window well drainage, and foundation drains.
Drain Type | Average Cost Range (All-In) |
French Drain | $1,200 – $12,000 per 100 lin. ft. |
Trench / Channel Drain | $3,600 – $10,800 per 100 lin. ft. |
Underground Downspouts | $240 – $2,400 per downspout |
Concrete Catch Basin / Storm Drain | $2,400 – $6,000 per basin |
Plastic Catch Basin | $240 – $600 per drain |
Culvert | $1,800 – $6,000 per entrance |
Under Deck Drainage | $600 – $3,600 |
Garden and Landscape Drainage | $420 – $12,000 |
Dry Wells | $1,920 – $5,760 |
Window Well Drain | $600 – $1,200 |
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French Drains
Exterior French drains cost approximately $12 to $60 per linear foot, but you may pay up to $120 per linear foot for complex installations. The cost varies significantly based on the location. For instance, a surface drain in easily accessible areas, like a yard, is less expensive than excavating the base of a foundation and adding a sump pump.
Trench or Channel Drain System Cost
The installation of channel or trench drains typically costs around $36 to $120 per linear foot, with complex installations possibly running up to $180 per linear foot. The overall price for the trough or channel will depend on both the length and the material used. For example, a steel driveway trench may cost $120, while a concrete one could cost $360.
Concrete driveways often require breaking up the existing concrete, installing a surface drain, and repouring it to ensure a proper seal. With appropriate leveling, water can flow through this drain into a metal or concrete channel, directing it away from your driveway. It’s crucial that any type of system installed in driveways is strong enough to withstand the weight of parked cars.
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Gutter Drainage and Buried Downspouts
Expect to pay around $120 to $360 per downspout if you need to bury downspout extensions. If it’s simply a matter of connecting to an existing system, the cost may be somewhat lower. If you lack a storm drainage system, you’ll need to install one for an average additional cost of $1,800. Instead of burying your downspouts, you might consider using a downspout catch basin with a mesh filter, which is easier to maintain.
Storm Drain Installation
Storm drain channel systems typically cost about $60 to $3,600. This system is designed to collect surface water from storms and divert it to a storm drain or dry well. You can purchase DIY kits or opt for professional installation. While these systems are labor-intensive, they require minimal tools. A handyman or local landscaper usually handles the installation.
Catch Basins
Plastic catch basins cost around $240 to $600 per drain. There are two main types of catch basins: concrete and plastic. Plastic basins are generally more affordable, but concrete basins are more robust and long-lasting.
A concrete catch basin installation typically costs about $2,400 to $6,000, including all necessary connections and complete installation. However, you may find that catch basins are less common on residential properties built after 1960. These were previously used to separate contaminants in sewer systems. You may require one only if your community uses a single-pipe sewer system. Properties with double systems—one for sewage and another for stormwater—do not require a catch basin.
Like their concrete counterparts, these basins work to separate contaminants. They sit below a downspout, capturing leaves and large debris while allowing water to flow into a storm sewer system or dry well.
Culvert Prices
Culvert installation costs around $1,800 to $6,000 per entrance or road. A culvert may be necessary to facilitate drainage in your yard. Culvert pipes help carry excess water away from your home, reducing flooding and other moisture-related risks.
Consult your local highway department or department of transportation for regulations regarding culvert installation. In some regions, oversight from the roads or highway department may be required, though your project may be better served with another type of drainage system.
Under Deck Drainage System
Installing drainage under your deck typically costs between $600 to $3,600. Accessibility can significantly influence the price; since it’s not possible to use a ditch machine under a deck, most work is completed by hand, increasing both time and costs.
Garden and Landscape Drainage
Garden and landscaping drainage systems cost approximately $420 to $12,000. Several options exist for redirecting excess moisture away from your garden or landscaping. Solutions may include inlets connected to pipes that slope away from problem areas, or you might require a French-style drain or a combination of both.
Dry Wells
The average cost for dry wells is $1,920 to $5,760. A dry well is essentially a pit filled with gravel that allows water to drain away from your home. These wells are often connected to other drainage system components, such as French drains.
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Window Well Drain Cost
The cost for window well drains ranges from $600 to $1,200 per window. Most window wells have a gravel layer at the bottom to facilitate natural drainage. If water continues to be an issue, consider adding a window well drain. This drain is a pipe that channels water either below the foundation level or into an existing drainage system.
You may also want to install a cover for about $60 to $120 per window. Average installation costs for window well covers are around $840.
Basement Drainage Systems Cost
The cost for installing, replacing, or repairing basement drainage systems typically ranges from $24 to $108 per linear foot, depending on the type of system and its accessibility. Most commonly, you’ll find French drains or similar systems, which can vary in depth. All basement drainage solutions address hydrostatic pressure that pushes water against the walls.
Basement drainage systems are often included in the overall basement waterproofing costs. Complete waterproofing goes beyond a simple drain, involving waterproof membranes for the walls. Here are the typical costs for different basement drainage systems:
Basement Drain Type | Average Cost Range (All-In) | Average Cost (All-In) |
Curtain drain | $1,200 – $6,000 | $3,600 |
Interior French drain | $3,600 – $9,600 | $6,600 |
Exterior deep French drain | $2,400 – $12,000 | $7,200 |
Basement waterproofing | $2,400 – $8,400 | $5,400 |
Sump pump | $780 – $2,280 | $1,536 |
Full interior tile drain | $4,800 – $12,000 | $8,400 |
Farm and Field Drain Cost
Installing field drainage tiles typically costs between $840 and $2,400 per acre. The total cost depends on factors such as the spacing of the drainage tiles and the size of the main pipes used.
This type of drain tile is primarily found on agricultural land rather than residential settings.
Drainage System Cost Breakdown
The costs for drainage systems can be broken down into parts and labor. Labor accounts for a significant portion of the overall project cost, with some installations taking 72 hours or more.
Labor Cost
Labor for drainage installation typically ranges from $60 to $120 per hour. Most projects take between 12 and 72 hours, but some may extend from 1.5 days to a week or more. Typically, a crew of two to three people will work on each project. For projects involving concrete or block work, be sure to budget additional time for demolition and reinstallation.
Drainage Pipe Prices
- Standard Drainage Pipes: Costs around $1.20 to $6 per linear foot. These pipes can be purchased without a fabric cover, with a fabric sock, or with a thick fabric and foam filtration layer.
- Concrete Drainage Pipes: Prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, generally reserved for larger culvert-style applications rather than residential use.
Essential Parts and Additional Costs
You’ll also need to account for other essential components, which include:
- Drainage Catch Basin: Costs approximately $36 to $120 each.
- Channel Drain Kit: Costs about $12 to $18 per linear foot.
- Connectors and Junctions: Prices range from $2.40 to $12 each.
Drainage System Cost Factors
When considering the installation of a drainage system, several additional factors can significantly influence overall costs. Here’s a breakdown of these factors:
- Accessibility Issues: If access to the installation site is restricted or challenging, labor costs can increase significantly due to the need to move materials by hand. This can add $1,000 or more to your project.
- Regrading a Yard: The cost for regrading your yard typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,840. Regrading is essential to ensure proper water flow away from your property.
- Excavation Costs: Expect excavation costs to be between $1,800 and $6,960, depending on soil type and the size of the excavation site. Complex sites may incur higher costs.
- Permit Costs: Permits for drainage system installation generally range from $480 to $2,760. Excavation and plumbing work often require construction permits, which can add to the overall expense.
- Landscape Repair Costs: Landscape repair costs can vary widely, from $240 to $12,000 or more. The total depends on the extent of the damage and whether you choose to remodel your outdoor space during repairs.
- Waste Removal Cost: Expect to pay about $60 to $120 per hour for waste removal and disposal. This cost is essential for ensuring safe and efficient waste management.
- Driveway Repair Costs: If your driveway needs to be dug up for the drainage installation, plan for costs ranging from $960 to $9,600. The amount depends on how much of the driveway is affected and whether you choose to install a new driveway.
- Trenching Costs: Trenching, which is vital for drainage installation, generally costs $4.80 to $14.40 per linear foot. The length and complexity of the trench will affect total expenses.
- Draining Standing Water Costs: If you need to remove standing water before installing a new drainage system, expect costs between $1,680 and $6,600. This is crucial to prepare the site for installation.
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DIY Drainage Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Many DIY drainage kits are available, which can be relatively easy to install for homeowners with a weekend to spare. Costs for a complete DIY job range from $120 to $2,400. However, incorrect leveling or a lack of understanding of drainage issues can lead to inadequate solutions.
If you lack the time, experience, or confidence to tackle a drainage installation yourself, hiring a local drainage professional is advisable. Professional installation ensures that drainage issues are effectively addressed, preventing further damage and providing peace of mind.
Conclusion
The cost of installing a drainage system varies widely, with homeowners typically spending between $2,545 and $8,531, depending on specific needs and project complexity. Different drainage types, such as French drains and catch basins, each come with unique price ranges and installation challenges. Factors like property size, accessibility, and potential additional costs for excavation or permits can significantly affect the final price. While DIY options may be tempting, hiring a professional ensures proper installation and effective drainage management, safeguarding your home against water-related issues in the long run.
Frequently Asked Question
Installing a drainage system typically ranges from $2,545 to $8,531, with an average cost of approximately $5,536. Simple solutions can start around $600, while more complex installations may escalate to $21,600.
Several factors can affect the overall cost, including:
- Size of the property
- Type of drainage system (e.g., French drain, trench drain)
- Complexity of the project
- Accessibility of the installation site
- Local labor rates and permit requirements
Common types of drainage systems include:
- French Drains: $1,200 – $12,000 per 100 linear feet
- Trench/Channel Drains: $3,600 – $10,800 per 100 linear feet
- Sump Pumps: $780 – $2,280
- Dry Wells: $1,920 – $5,760
- Window Well Drains: $600 – $1,200
Yes, many DIY drainage kits are available, with costs ranging from $120 to $2,400. However, improper installation can lead to inadequate solutions. If you are unsure about the process, hiring a professional may be more effective.
Labor costs typically range from $60 to $120 per hour. Most drainage installation projects can take between 12 and 72 hours, depending on the complexity and the number of workers involved.
To remove standing water before installing a new drainage system, costs can range from $1,680 to $6,600. This step is crucial to prepare the site effectively for installation.
The cost for installing, replacing, or repairing basement drainage systems usually ranges from $24 to $108 per linear foot. Here are some typical costs:
- Interior French Drain: $3,600 – $9,600
- Sump Pump: $780 – $2,280
- Full Interior Tile Drain: $4,800 – $12,000
Yes, permits are often required for drainage system installation, with costs ranging from $480 to $2,760. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
In addition to installation costs, consider the following potential expenses:
- Regrading the yard: $1,200 – $3,840
- Excavation costs: $1,800 – $6,960
- Landscape repair: $240 – $12,000
- Driveway repair: $960 – $9,600
- Waste removal: $60 – $120 per hour
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