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Free French drain installation cost calculator for planning subsurface drainage. Estimate typical installed cost bands by run length, trench depth, pipe and aggregate choices, discharge method, site access, and regional labor.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
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Approximate footage along the foundation or low spot to the daylight or tie-in point.
Typical scheduling window
0.4 weeks
Weather, locate marks, and utility clearance can extend the calendar.
Notes
Excavation
Machine vs hand
Deeper cuts and confined runs increase labor and haul-off volume.
Envelope
Aggregate bed
Open-graded stone and proper pipe sizing support long-term flow rates.
Filter
Fabric wrap
Reduces fines migration; design may vary by soil and local practice.
Connection
Storm vs sump
Tie-ins and lift pumps add materials, labor, and often permitting.
Mobilization
Gates & plantings
Landscaping repair and hand-dig zones increase effective cost per foot.
Locate
Call 811
Relocates and delays from unknown utilities are not included in illustrative totals.
85 lf • standard depth • HDPE • crushed stone • daylight • open yard • South:
Materials
$734
Labor
$842
Permits & fees
$215
Total
$1,791
The calculator applies an illustrative cost-per-linear-foot model driven by trench depth, pipe and aggregate selections, discharge complexity, and site access, then scales by total run length and a regional labor multiplier. The total is split across drainage materials, excavation and installation labor, and permits or administrative fees. Engineering, haul-off surcharges, and utility relocates are not itemized separately.
Core ≈ linear feet × $/ft model × access× discharge complexity; × regionUse results for early budgeting—confirm with site-specific quotes after locate and inspection.
Slope to a legal discharge is as important as trench depth for performance
Total illustrative estimate: $1,791
Typical scheduling window: 0.4 weeks (weather dependent)
Connection labor and municipal requirements
Often higher total than simple daylighting
Fencing, plantings, and hand work
Effective $/ft usually increases versus open lots
Share it with homeowners managing wet yards or foundation moisture
Suggested hashtags: #FrenchDrain #Drainage #Stormwater #Landscaping #Calculator