French drains are also known as perimeter drains, rock drains, weeping tiles, or agricultural drains. They’re easy to install and address various drainage problems efficiently. While the cost of French drains depends on your property’s drainage needs, the total cost ranges from $2,800 to $6,500.
However, these cost figures may vary widely depending on the factors discussed in this guide. A property owner may pay as low as $500 for French drain installation or as much as $18,000 for the same service.
What’s a French Drain?
It is a simple trench dug in areas with drainage problems. The trench is then filled with a perforated pipe wrapped in a water-permeable fabric. This pipe should covered with several layers of gravel or stone.
A French drain system majorly relies on gravity to ensure water flows down the hill. Considering water will always follow the direction of least resistance, it naturally flows through the gravel into the hollow pipe where it can flow freely. Thus, a professionally installed French drain helps direct water away from your yard towards a rain barrel, municipal drain, or other suitable locations for water drainage.
Factors Affecting French Drain Toronto Cost
Here are the factors that affect the cost of French drain systems in Toronto.
Type of French Drain
There are different types of French drains to choose from. These include:
Interior French Drain
Installing an interior French drain in your basements prevents interior flooding, clogging, wet basements, and other issues related to water damage. This type of drain placement may be costly because it requires additions like a sump pump to ensure the drains work efficiently. An interior French drain costs $40 to $100 per linear foot.
- 200 linear feet of an interior French drain cost $8,000 to $20,000
- 100 linear feet cost $4,000 to $10,000
- 50 linear feet cost $8,000 to $20,000
These cost values will likely change depending on your preferred contractor and the complexity of your project.
Exterior French Drains
Exterior French drains are installed along the outside perimeter of a property to capture water before it seeps into the foundation or basement. Exterior drains are less costly than interior drains as they don’t require removing a section of concrete flooring.
Depending on your property’s drainage needs, you can opt for shallow or footing drains. Shallow drains are an affordable drainage solution if your property isn’t affected by extreme water issues or is not in an area with a high water table. On the other hand, footing drains are costly as they’re placed below the surface.
The cost of exterior French drains ranges from $10 per linear foot to $65 per linear foot. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown.
- 50 linear ft.: $500 to $3,250
- 100 linear ft.: $1,000 to $6,500
- 200 linear ft.: $$2,000 to $13,00
Curtain Drain
Also known as an interceptor drain, a curtain drain is a shallow drain used to control water flow across a stretch of your property. While a curtain drain doesn’t collect all water, it can help keep low-lying areas like gardens and lawns from waterlogging.
Length and Depth of the French Drain
The length and depth of your drain will directly affect the total cost of French drain installation. A long drain requires more materials and labour. This can increase the cost per square foot of drain acquisition and installation. Similarly, deep drains may require more excavation work. If the contractor encounters obstacles such as tree roots and utility lines, the total cost of your French drain will increase.
Soil Type and Terrain
The specific soil type around your property can affect the drain installation cost. For instance, shale and clay soils are hard to dig through. This can increase the effort and time required to complete the French drain installation project, particularly if a deep hole is required to foot the drains.
Similarly, a rocky terrain can make excavation extremely difficult. Your contractor may need specialized equipment and extra labour to get the job done. For instance, an excavator may be available for $85 per day. Thus, the total cost of installing French drains in a rocky terrain may be higher than installing similar drains in sandy soil.
Accessibility of the Area
Another factor that affects the cost of drains is the accessibility of the area where they should be installed. If the site is hard to reach or requires the contractor to navigate around structures and landscaping features, the entire project may take longer and cost you more money.
Additional Features
Various features, both decorative and functional, can improve the efficiency of your French drain. Think about it: the runoff water from your drain has to go somewhere. So you can connect your drain to any of the following:
- Rain gardens: They use runoff water to keep plants hydrated. You’re likely to spend $1 to $5 per square foot to connect your French drain. If you hire a professional, the cost will most likely range from $10 to $20 per square foot.
- Storm drains: These drains are a common destination for runoff water. To connect your French drain to a storm drain, you’ll likely pay $500 to $3,500.
Irrigation ditches can also be connected to your French drain. These ditches can store the runoff water, which could later be used to water plants. Similarly, a dry well may be used to store the excess water. A dry well will likely cost you $500 to $3000.
After installing French drains, your landscape may end up looking snazzy. These drains are often unsightly after installation as the fabric and gravel placed over the drain may be visually unappealing. That’s why most homeowners choose to spend an extra $600 to $1,400 to add a decorative covering over the drain to boost curb appeal.
French Drain Installation Costs in Toronto
Professional French drain installation costs range from $10 to $75 per linear foot. On the other hand, the average price of DIY French drain installation is $21.12 per linear foot. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors that determine these costs.
Labour Cost to Install a French Drain
Labour costs refer to all expenses related to hiring a skilled professional to ensure proper French drain installation. The experience and expertise of these professionals are vital for a successful drain installation project. To determine the cost of labour, consider the following:
- Site preparation and excavation
- Correct installation of pipes (wrapped in fabric,) then covered using gravel
- Finishing – covering the French drain and restoring the area
Generally, French drain installation is a labour-intensive process. Depending on the complexity of your project and other addons like a sump pump or retaining wall, the exact cost of labour may vary widely. Remember, the labour cost will be included in the quotation you’ll get from a contractor.
Cost to Hire a Professional vs. DIY Installation
There are many DIY guides online that make French drain installation appear incredibly easy. However, technical details and the high risk of making costly mistakes necessitate a professional installation. A faulty drainage system can cause damage that would call for expensive repairs. That being said, if you still prefer installing a French drain on your own, you should know the following equipment-related costs.
| DIY Equipment/Material | Cost |
| Tape measure | $10 |
| Renting a sod cutter (alternatively, use a shovel) | $110 |
| Marking flags (you need about 100 pieces) | $13.50 |
| Level (to determine your pipe angel) | $20 |
| Renting a trencher (for about 4 hours) | $60 |
| Wheelbarrow (you need it to carry dirt) | $140 |
| 1 ½ cubic feet of gravel (pea size) | $38 |
| Catch basin | $47 |
| 4-6 oz. of landscape fabric (non-woven) | $59 |
Assuming your project size is approximately 25 feet long, 10 inches wide, and 18 inches deep, installing a French drain will cost $21.12 per linear foot or $528. On the other hand, having an expert handle the drainage system installation process will cost you $10-$75 per linear foot. Keep in mind that installing a French drain on your own could expose your property damage due to:
- Mistaken pipe tilt, forcing the standing water to flow in the wrong direction
- Trenching on water pipes or utility lines
- Use of the wrong gravel, leading to pipe clogging
- Directing the water away from your house into your neighbor’s backyard
- Choosing the wrong landscape fabric. This can cause clogging.
Any of these mistakes could necessitate costly repairs. So, it’s best to leave your yard drainage system installation to professionals.
Cost to Install a Sump Pump and a French Drain
A sump pump is necessary for basement waterproofing and interior French drain installation. If you don’t install a sump pump, you may end up with a flooded basement floor, water-related damage, and drainage problems. Installing a sump pump will add $625 to $2,625 to your initial French drain installation cost. Keep in mind that sump pump installation may be complex and should be handled by a professional.
French Drain Cost Estimator
Average French Drain Cost in 2025
If you plan to have a french drain installed, various factors will affect the total cost of your project. Understanding such factors will help you budget effectively and ensure you get the most value from your project. Here are the average French drain costs.
- The national average cost of a French drain is $5,000
- Typical price range of French drains: $1,600 to $12, 250
- Low-end cost of French drains: $500
- High-end cost of French drain: $18,000
These price figures are subject to fluctuation depending on the location of your drainage system, the soil type around your home, the size of your home, and other necessary services, such as adding a decorative cover over the drain.
Cost of Materials
Materials are a crucial component of the total expense of installing a French drain. Typically, you will need the drain pipes, landscape fabric liners, and gravel. These materials are the structural backbone of an efficient French drain.
Note that the average cost of materials varies widely depending on the type, location, and more. For instance, the cost per linear foot of drain pipes ranges from $0.50 to $3, while gravel costs $25 to $53 or more per ton.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Inspection costs
To understand your property’s drainage problem, you need an expert to inspect the area carefully. The inspection report will outline the drainage problem in detail and carefully map out your drainage project. It’s recommended that you call a professional with the right equipment to determine the direction of the recommended drainage trenches and how deep they should be. Remember, the inspection cost will add to the cost of installing a French drain.
Soil Content and Excavation Costs
The soil type or content around your property can make excavation easier or more challenging. For instance, if your contractor will need to dig through heavy clay or rocky soil, the excavation process will take longer and increase the cost of labour. On the other hand, soft soil is easy to dig and takes a shorter period. If you choose to rent an excavator, you may pay $85 per day for it.
Landscaping Repair and Sod Installation Costs
The installation of a French drain involves digging up a section of your lawn. This creates the need for landscape repair after the drains have been installed. For instance, sod installation can help repair the damaged area of your lawn. This extra service may cost you an additional $0.087 to $1.76 per square foot, including the cost of installation.
Irrigation Ditch Installation and Aeration Costs
The water collected in your French drain needs to be directed somewhere else. An irrigation ditch offers an effective way to reuse the water collected from your yard or basement. It can be used to water plants. You need an expert to connect your interior or exterior French drains to an irrigation ditch. This service may lead to an increase in the cost of French drain installation.
Aeration involves poking holes in the lawn so your grass can easily take in more oxygen, nutrients, and water. Aeration services may cost you $75 to $225, depending on the size of your yard and the specific aeration method used.
Retaining Wall Installation and Gutter Cleaning Costs
A retaining wall is a great way to manage water runoff and prevent soil erosion. As such, placing your French drain behind a sturdy retaining wall can relieve water pressure and avoid damage to the wall itself. Depending on your preferred material, the cost per linear foot of retaining wall installation can range from $25 to $50.
Clog-free gutters and downspouts direct rainwater from your property’s roof away from the property’s foundation. Expert gutter cleaning will cost you between $120 and $200. It’s recommended to have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term efficiency of your property’s French drain system. Annual inspections, cleaning, debris removal, and replacement of worn-out or damaged parts will keep your trench drain clog-free. The maintenance costs of a trench drain may vary widely, so it’s best to request a detailed quotation from a contractor.
French drain cleaning cost
The cost of cleaning a French drain system ranges from $100 to $300. Note that this is a rough estimate, and the actual cost of cleaning French drain pipe varies depending on project-specific factors. For instance, the accessibility of the drain, the length of the perforated pipe, and extra services required may affect the final French drain cleaning cost.
Cost to replace a French drain
Over time, you may want to replace some parts of your French drain system. For instance, the landscape fabric may be worn out, or the sump pump may fail after many years. The cost of replacing some of the parts of your French drain can range from $50 to $200. You’ll likely spend more money if your entire drainage system needs replacing.
French Drains in Different Locations
French drains are widely used in Toronto properties to manage water and prevent waterlogging in different areas of a property. Here are different areas where you can install a French drainage system.
Installing a French Drain in Yard
If heavy rains have left surface water pooling in your yard or spring thaw has left your yard somewhat waterlogged, installing a French drain can prevent waterlogging and water damage. The French drains work by collecting the surface water and directing it away from your yard, giving you back your green lawn. The average cost of installing a French drain system in your yard is $9,250 (or $10 to $100 per linear foot).
Installing a French drain in the crawl space
Pooling water in your crawl space can damage your property’s foundation and eventually compromise its structural integrity. That’s why it’s recommended to install French drains in your crawl space if there’s standing water. The drain can direct the collected water from your crawl space to another water body or sump pump.
Installing a French drain around the patio, retaining wall, or sidewalk
Your patio is an outdoor living space where your friends and family can have a great time. However, standing water can damage your patio, deteriorate your sidewalk, or weaken your retaining wall. A French drainage system can help collect the excess water before it pools and is directed away. This will prevent water-related damage to your patio, retaining wall, and sidewalk.
Hiring a Professional for French Drain Installation
A specialist can design and install trench drains successfully. That said, how do you find the right professional? Here are crucial questions to ask a drainage installation company.
- Are you licensed, fully insured, and bonded?
- Do you provide a portfolio of any drainage system, like a French drain installed previously?
- Will you help obtain the necessary permits and address damages that may happen on the job?
- Do you provide a warranty? What does it include?
- How do you handle maintenance and French drain repairs?
- How long will the drainage system installation take?
Suppose you’re looking for a trustworthy and reliable professional to install a French drain in your crawl space, basement floor, or outdoor areas. In that case, these questions will help you get the information you need to make an informed choice.
Conclusion
French drain installation is a labour-intensive project that requires proper planning and budgeting. While the DIY approach may seem more affordable, it’s riddled with mistakes that could worsen the damage you’re trying to prevent. Let a licensed and experienced professional design and install your French drain safely and efficiently.
