Many online sources provide widely varying estimates for the cost of installing a French drain yourself, usually ranging from $5 to $50 per linear foot. In contrast, contractors typically quote between $4,000 and $12,000 for professional installation.
This page features an easy-to-use cost calculator to help refine your estimate, along with a breakdown of essential materials and practical tips for a successful DIY installation. Use the calculator below to get an approximate estimate of material and excavation costs for your French drain project.
NOTE: The results from this calculator do not account for professional labor, engineering expertise, or unforeseen complications like large tree roots or utility lines. Always check with local authorities before you dig, and consider hiring a professional to install a French Drain if the project seems too large, complex or time-consuming.
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate—factors like unexpected soil conditions, weather delays, or additional landscaping work can impact the final cost.
Factors Affecting French Drain Cost
When planning a DIY French drain, it’s important to consider a few key cost factors:
- Trench Length, Depth & Width: More excavation means more labor and materials.
- Type of Pipe & Fabric: Single-wall vs. dual-wall, PVC vs. HDPE, and geotextile fabrics all carry different price tags.
- Rock or Gravel Choice: Some regions have cheaper aggregate options with affordable delivery fees, while others require premium gravel.
- Tools & Equipment: Manual digging vs. renting heavy equipment changes both cost and labor time.
- Base Fees & Delivery: You may have minimum purchase lengths for fabric, as well as rock delivery charges.
By understanding these variables, you can get a realistic estimate of both the overall material cost and labor required for your DIY project. Many other calculators display outdated pricing and product options, but at High Flow Drainage Solutions, this page is regularly updated with the latest 2025 pricing and solutions. Here is a table with general estimations for a 50-foot long French drain:
| Installation Type | Cost Per Foot | Estimated Total Cost | Time Required | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY – Difficult (Shovel, No Fabric) | $5 – $10 | $250 – $500 | 1-2 days | Easy |
| DIY – Better (Fabric, Perforated Pipe) | $10 – $20 | $500 – $1,000 | 2-3 days | Moderate |
| Contractor – Recommended | $25 – $50 | $1,250 – $2,500 | 1 day | Expert |
In our calculator, we assumed a base $175 rock delivery fee from a stone or aggregate supplier. We also assumed a $200 daily equipment fee for any excavators or mini skid steers needed.
Material Recommendations
When installing a French drain, choosing the right materials can make a significant difference in its longevity and performance. Below are the key materials you’ll need, along with recommendations to help you find high-quality products.
1. Drain Pipe
- Corrugated perforated pipe – Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Reinders
- PVC SDR 35 perforated pipe (Do not recommend) – Lowes, Home Depot
- FrenchDrainMan Armor Knife Cut – FDM Shop
- FrenchDrainMan High Octane – FDM Shop
2. Geotextile Fabric
- Non-woven geotextile fabric – Amazon, Lowes, FDM Shop, Home Depot
3. Gravel and Rock
- Clean, angular gravel (¾” to 1 ½”) – Local options vary
- River rock – Local options vary
4. Essential Tools
- Shovel
- Trenching shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Sawzall
- Utility knife
5. Discharge Solutions
- FDM Pop-up emitter – FDM Shop
- NDS Pop-up emitter – Lowes, Amazon, Ace Hardware
Estimating Gravel Cost for a French Drain
Step 1: Calculate Usable Trench Depth
We’ll assume an 18″ depth. Subtract the top 3 inches (0.25 feet) from the total trench depth:
1.75 – 0.25 = 1.5 feet
Step 2: Calculate Gravel Area
The gravel will fill the trench minus the pipe. The standard pipe diameter is 4 inches (0.33 feet), so its area is:
π × (0.33 ÷ 2)² ≈ 0.085 square feet
The trench area without the pipe:
1 foot × 1.5 feet – 0.085 = 1.415 square feet
Step 3: Calculate Total Gravel Volume
Multiply by the trench length (30 feet):
1.415 × 30 = 42.45 cubic feet
Step 4: Convert to Cubic Yards
Since gravel is sold by the cubic yard, divide by 27:
42.45 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.57 cubic yards
Step 5: Add Extra for Waste
Adding 10-15% extra for settling and uneven areas:
1.57 × 1.15 ≈ 1.8 cubic yards
Final Estimate: Always order full yards, so for this project, purchase 2 cubic yards of gravel.
Should I Use Fabric in My French Drain?
Yes, you should almost always use nonwoven geotextile fabric in a French drain.
It plays a crucial role in preventing soil from clogging your drainage system while still allowing water to flow through. Even though it will increase the cost of your project, it’ll greatly extend your French drain by preventing the gravel and pipes from being clogged with dirt and debris. On average, nonwoven geotextile fabric will cost ~$50 for 100 feet. Standard fabric is 3′ wide, which is perfect for most DIY solutions.
A French drain works by collecting and redirecting water, but if dirt and debris clog the system, it can stop working. That’s where nonwoven geotextile fabric comes in. This fabric acts like a filter, allowing water to pass through while blocking fine soil particles that could cause clogs. With our own drainage contracting experience, we often replace landscaper’s “sock filters” a few years after they are installed, so we DO NOT recommend them.
Nonwoven fabric is better than woven fabric for drainage because it lets water flow more easily. While woven fabric is stronger, it doesn’t drain well, which can slow down water movement. Using nonwoven geotextile helps keep your French drain working for years by preventing blockages and reducing the need for costly repairs.
How to Install Drainage Fabric Correctly
- Line the Trench: Place the fabric inside the trench, ensuring it extends past the edges.
- Add Gravel: Pour a few inches of gravel into the trench.
- Install Pipe: Place the perforated pipe on top of the gravel.
- Wrap the Pipe & Gravel: Fold the excess fabric over the top before adding the final layer of gravel and soil.
- Keep in place with pins: Use metal landscaping pins to hold the fabric in place.
Where to Install your French Drain
Choosing the right location for your French drain is key to ensuring proper drainage. A poorly placed French drain can cause unintended water issues elsewhere on your property, so we highly recommend booking a consultation with us if you’re in the Kansas City area and want a quote for us to install it as well. While French drains can work in various situations, these are the most effective placements:
Along the Foundation
If you notice basement leaks or excessive moisture near your home’s foundation, a French drain around the perimeter can help divert water before it seeps inside. This is especially effective when combined with a sump pump system.
In Low Spots in Your Yard
Yards with areas that collect standing water after heavy rain can benefit from a French drain. Redirecting excess water prevents lawn damage, reduces muddy patches, and minimizes mosquito breeding grounds.
Behind Retaining Walls
Water buildup behind retaining walls increases hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to structural failure. Installing a French drain at the base of the wall helps relieve pressure by directing water away from the structure.
Between Properties
If your yard receives runoff from a neighboring property, a French drain along the property line can prevent water from pooling on your land. This is particularly useful if your house sits at a lower elevation than your neighbor’s.
Near Driveways and Walkways
Water pooling on driveways and walkways can create slippery surfaces and lead to erosion beneath the pavement. A French drain along these areas helps keep them dry and extends their longevity.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you have straightforward digging conditions and feel comfortable operating power tools or renting excavation equipment, a DIY French drain might save you money, even if it costs you time and labor.
However, the process can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and fraught with potential mistakes… especially around landscaping, sprinkler lines, or septic systems. A professional installation team has the expertise and equipment to complete the project quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption to your property.
Why Choose High Flow Drainage Solutions
At High Flow Drainage Solutions, we specialize in designing and installing robust drainage systems to tackle even the toughest water management challenges. Our engineer and team ensures:
- Professional-Grade Materials: We source top-quality pipes, rock, and geotextiles for long-lasting performance.
- Customized Solutions: From identifying precise problem areas to tailoring designs, we ensure the perfect setup for your unique property.
- Time & Labor Savings: Our equipment and experience help us finish the job quickly and efficiently, saving you stress and potential headaches (or backaches!).
Don’t let drainage issues compromise your home’s value and safety. Whether you’ve tried a DIY approach and realize it’s more work than expected, or you prefer professional expertise from the start, we’re here to help.
Ready to Solve Your Drainage Problems?
If you’d like a guaranteed, professional installation that stands the test of time, contact High Flow Drainage Solutions today. Let our experienced team do the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a drier, healthier yard and foundation year-round.
Disclaimer: The cost estimates provided by the calculator are for informational purposes only and may vary depending on your specific conditions, location, and material availability. They do not reflect the bids or quotes we offer for our customers.