Yard Drainage Cost Guide
Ballpark numbers to help you budget. Drainage is very site-specific, so use these as rough ranges and get a quote for your yard.
- French drains, regrading & downspout drainage
- Protect your foundation from East Texas clay
- Free, no-obligation quotes
These are general ranges commonly quoted for residential drainage work. Your price depends on length, depth, access, materials and the contractor.
Typical ranges
| Project | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French drain | ~$15 to $60 per linear foot | Depth, rock, fabric, outlet and access matter |
| Typical residential French drain project | ~$1,500 to $8,000 | Often 50 to 150 feet of drain |
| Underground downspout lines | ~$300 to $1,000 per downspout | Includes trenching, pipe and outlet |
| Surface drain / catch basin | ~$400 to $1,500 each | Plus pipe to outlet |
| Yard regrading | ~$1,000 to $5,000+ | Depends on area and fill dirt needed |
| Dry creek bed / swale | ~$1,500 to $6,000 | Rock and length drive cost |
What affects the cost
- Length and depth of the drain line.
- Outlet options. A nearby downhill outlet is cheapest; a dry well or pump costs more.
- Access. Narrow side yards and fences can mean hand digging.
- Obstacles. Tree roots, sprinkler lines, utilities and concrete.
- Restoration. Replacing sod, beds or concrete after trenching.
Cheap fixes worth trying first
Clean your gutters, extend downspouts at least 5 to 10 feet from the house, and pull mulch or soil away from the slab so the ground slopes away. If water still collects, it is time for a real drainage system.
Tired of standing water and soggy yards?
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