Buyers typically pay a per-foot price for drainage projects that includes trenching, piping, gravel, and labor. The main cost drivers are project depth, soil type, material choices, and local labor rates. This guide summarizes cost ranges and what to expect for different setups.
Cost awareness helps buyers compare options and set a realistic budget. The price per foot blends materials, labor time, and any required permits or disposal fees.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drainage Per Foot (Materials) | $6 | $14 | $40 | Pipe, gravel, fabric, fittings; higher for heavy soils |
| Labor & Installation | $8 | $22 | $60 | Excavation, trenching, backfilling; longer runs cost more |
| Trench Length Included | 10 ft minimum | 25–50 ft | 100+ ft | Longer runs reduce per-foot efficiency |
| Permits/Inspections | $0 | $2 | $6 | Depends on city and scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $3 | $8 | Soil, rock, or debris disposal adds small per-foot costs |
Overview Of Costs
Typical drainage projects per foot range from $12 to $60 overall, depending on materials and labor. For simpler systems using perforated pipe and gravel, expect toward the lower end. More complex setups with specialized materials, deep trenches, or existing landscaping near foundations push costs higher. This section provides total project ranges and per-unit ranges with brief assumptions:
What to expect by project type
French drain (perimeter or yard): materials and labor commonly run $18–$55 per foot, with installation time often 0.5–1.5 days for typical properties.
Surface drainage with trench and catch basins: per foot costs commonly $12–$40 for materials, plus $10–$25 per foot for labor depending on access and depth.
Simple downspout drainage extension: lower end, typically $6–$14 per foot for materials and $8–$15 per foot for labor when run along the ground or shallow trenching.
Assumptions: region, project scope, soil conditions, and access affect the final numbers. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6 | $14 | $40 | PVC or corrugated pipe, gravel, filter fabric |
| Labor | $8 | $22 | $60 | Excavation and backfill; crew size 2–4 |
| Permits | $0 | $2 | $6 | Dependent on municipality |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $3 | $8 | Soil and debris removal |
| Warranty/Overhead | $0 | $2 | $5 | Appendix fees for workmanship |
Pricing Variables
Key drivers include trench depth, soil type, and run length. Deeper trenches and clay soils increase excavation time and need for robust material packages. For drain lines near foundations, higher-risk zones and steeper pitches can add costs. Per-foot pricing also shifts with local wage scales and material availability. A mini-formula note: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> helps estimate labor impact when hours and rates change.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the U.S. due to labor markets and material costs. In urban cores, expect higher labor and permit fees, while rural areas may have lower overhead but longer travel times for crews. Typical regional deltas are:
- Coastal metro: +10% to +25% compared to national average
- Midwest/suburban: near national average
- Southwest/rural: -5% to -15% depending on access
Understanding regional differences helps align expectations with local bids.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs hinge on crew size and time. A small crew might install 25–60 ft per day, while larger projects with complex grading run slower. Typical installation times:
- Simple downspout extension: half to one day
- Perimeter French drain: 1–2 days for 50–100 ft
- Extensive yard drainage with multiple outlets: 2–4 days for 100–200 ft
Additional & Hidden Costs
Some items appear as add-ons and can surprise budgets. Common extras:
- Disposal fees for excavated material
- Soil stabilization or trench restoration in lawns
- Permit fees or inspections
- Waterproofing or foundation drainage considerations
Clarify inclusions in quotes to avoid hidden charges.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate typical outcomes with different scope and materials:
Basic Run (25 ft, ground trench, simple extension)
- Specs: PVC pipe, gravel base, basic fabric
- Labor: 0.5 day
- Materials: $8/ft
- Total: $350–$500
- Per-foot: $14–$20
Mid-Range Perimeter Drain (60 ft, trench + basins)
- Specs: 4″ perforated pipe, gravel, filter fabric, 2 catch basins
- Labor: 1 day
- Materials: $12–$20/ft
- Total: $1,000–$2,000
- Per-foot: $20–$33
Premium System (150 ft, deep trench, slope grading)
- Specs: heavy-duty pipe, crushed stone, multiple outlets
- Labor: 2–3 days
- Materials: $25–$40/ft
- Total: $4,500–$9,000
- Per-foot: $30–$60
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Per-foot costs for drainage can be compared against alternative approaches. For landscape-grade rerouting with downspout extensions, per-foot costs may drop below $20, while professional trench drainage with multiple outlets approaches $40–$60/ft. When property grading or foundation considerations exist, engineers may recommend a dedicated drainage system with higher upfront costs but lower long-term risk.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Drainage systems require periodic checks and minor maintenance. Expect costs: filter fabric replacements every 5–10 years, pipe inspection if accessible, and occasional backfill refresh after heavy rains. Over a 5-year outlook, maintenance may add a small annual amount but can be negligible with robust initial installation. Proper setup reduces ongoing maintenance needs and preserves drainage effectiveness.