How Much Does It Cost to Install a Drainage System in Your Yard in 2025?

Cost Factors for Installing a Yard Drainage System

The condition and size of your yard determine your drainage system needs and, likewise, your primary costs.

Yard Size and Shape

With drainage systems ranging from $10 to $25 per linear foot, the size of your yard is one of the main cost factors in drainage system installation since total space indicates total water volume and drainage needs. Larger yards require more catch basins, longer drainage pipes, and other extra labor and materials, increasing overall costs. Layout and design also become more complex in larger areas and may require multiple types of systems, especially if your yard encompasses different terrain types.

Site Prep

Site preparation for drainage systems can be a major cost factor in some cases, occasionally requiring soil tests, land surveys, and other tasks. Rocky, clay-heavy, or otherwise challenging soil conditions may require more significant or specialized excavation and land clearing, which costs between $1,500 and $6,100. Removing trees, bushes, and roots, as well as breaking up concrete or other materials, may also add costs. 

If your yard has active pooling or flooding issues, it likely needs grading to ensure water and drainage flow in the correct direction. Grading costs $1,000 to $3,300. 

Landscape and Hardscape Repair

Landscaping, as well as patios, walkways, driveways, and other hardscaping, are likely to be damaged or removed to accommodate drainage installation. Basic landscape repair for grass and mulch starts at around $200, and more significant landscaping restoration costs are between $1,275 and $6,050, sometimes exceeding $10,000. Keep in mind that restoration is an opportunity to add soil amendments, native plants, and other landscape upgrades that aid natural drainage and lawn health.

Installing drainage under concrete or other outdoor structures likewise requires replacements or upgrades. Expect to pay about $800 to $8,000 for various driveway repair costs. Other expenses may include:

• Driveway sealing: $110–$1,500

• Driveway leveling: $650–$1,775

• Sidewalk repair: $5 to $15 per sq. ft.

• Paver patio installation: $2,400–$7,000

Drain System Materials

Pipes and other materials chosen for your system impact the overall quality, durability, and cost. The appropriate materials depend on the type of drainage system you install—certain pipes or other drainage equipment aren’t necessarily universally compatible across systems. For example, perforated pipes are used for French drain systems to collect and channel water to a designated area, but there are different sizes and types of drains within that broad category.

Other Drainage System Cost Factors

Consider additional factors that may influence your project costs, such as varying labor rates and permit requirements.

Labor

Hiring a drain contractor for system installation averages $50 to $100 per hour or $600 to $7,200 in total. Contractors may work hourly or set a flat rate depending on their assessment of your installation. Most projects take several days, but extensive or complex installations can take a week or more. You'll usually have a crew of two or three people working on any given project. Installations with accessibility challenges have higher costs to account for demolition, excavation, and other work. 

Permits

Installing or modifying major systems or structures typically requires obtaining a building permit, which costs between $400 and $2,300. Permit costs depend on the extent of plumbing, excavation, demolition, and other work involved in your installation. Most contractors add this cost to your drainage system installation estimate.

System Complexity

Complex drainage systems require more involved planning, equipment, labor, and materials, all of which drive up project costs. For instance, French drains are labor-intensive but otherwise have relatively simple and inexpensive installation. Systems requiring deeper excavation and various add-ons to accommodate the terrain and various obstacles are often more expensive.

Add-Ons

Certain add-on systems or features can enhance the performance of your drainage system. Sump pumps, for example, are usually necessary for basements in regions prone to heavy rainfall or flooding.

• Rain garden: $500–$3,000

• Swale/irrigation ditch: $5–$15 per linear ft.

• Retaining wall: $3,200–$9,200

• Sump pump: $1,200–$2,500

• Basement waterproofing: $6–$15 per sq. ft.

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Exterior and Yard Drainage System Cost by Type

The type of drainage system appropriate for your home depends on the severity of flooding, the size of the yard, its terrain, and your budget. For example, French drains and downspout extensions are simple and cost-effective solutions, but they’re not always adequate for more significant drainage needs. Trench drains and dry wells can accommodate larger amounts of water or drainage challenges. These systems are sometimes combined for comprehensive drainage solutions.

The layout of your yard may also influence the drainage system and design. Decks, patios, and other hardscaping may block natural water flow and require specialized design to avoid pooling water and erosion. Design is particularly important in areas close to your home—proper drainage minimizes the risk of basement flooding, foundation damage, soil erosion, and other concerns. Your contractor can assess your yard to determine the ideal design.

French Drains

Exterior French drains cost around $20 to $90 per linear foot, but you may pay up to $150 per linear foot for complex installs. Location is a factor for French drains—for example, surface drains in yards and other easy-to-access cost far less than excavating the base of a foundation and adding a sump pump. There are also different types of French drains to account for specific terrain challenges.

Trench or Channel Drain System

Channel or trench drain installation costs around $30 to $100 per linear foot. Complex installs can cost up to $150 per linear foot. The price of the trough or channel depends on the length and material—a steel driveway trench may cost about $100, while a concrete trench can be $300 or more.

Underground Downspouts

You’ll pay around $150 to $350 per downspout to extend your lines underground and into an existing drainage system, such as a dry well or catch basin.

Catch Basin

Plastic catch basins cost $200 to $500 per drain. They’re relatively affordable and easy to install but still require professional excavation. These separate leaves, debris, and large contaminants and divert water to a sewer system or storm well.

A concrete catch basin costs about $2,000 to $5,000, which includes connections and complete installation. You won't often find a catch basin on residential property newer than 1960. This system is used to separate contamination in sewer systems with a single-pipe design. Double systems, one for sewage and one for stormwater, don't require a concrete catch basin.

Dry Well

Dry wells cost $1,600 to $4,800 on average. A dry well is a pit filled with gravel, allowing water to drain away from your home. They’re buried in the lowest part of your yard and typically collect water from other drainage system parts. These units can hold hundreds of gallons at once and gradually distribute it to the surrounding soil.

Window Well Drain

Window well drains cost around $1,000 to $2,500 per window. Most window wells have a layer of gravel at the bottom, allowing natural drainage. If water pools, window well drains can direct water away and prevent it from entering your home. It usually connects to a larger system or downspout to divert water away from the foundation. Adding a window well cover over the well, which costs about $50 to $100 per window, can prevent debris from clogging the drain.

Does Installing a Drainage System Increase Home Value?

Installing a drainage system in your yard helps protect and potentially increase the value of your home. While the system itself may not directly increase your home’s value, reliable drainage offers several indirect benefits that add to overall property appeal. These benefits include:

• Prevents basement flooding and water damage

• Protects foundations from water damage and shifting due to soil erosion

• Encourages proper lawn drainage, supports healthy landscaping, and minimizes issues related to pests

• May reduce insurance premiums in areas prone to flooding

Budgeting for Installing a Yard Drainage System

Installing a yard drainage system is a costly project, but managing your costs can help you get the best value from your investment. Try these budget-friendly strategies:

• Get quotes from several contractors to find the most competitive prices and services.

• Simplify the design where possible to save on costs without compromising system efficacy.

• Opt for quality materials and equipment to minimize the risk of premature drain repair or replacement costs.

• Inquire about contractor deals for bundling services or seasonal promotions. 

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.