Cost Engineering
French Drain Cost Estimator
Compare do-it-yourself material and rental costs with typical contractor pricing for yard drains and deep foundation footing drains.
Trench depth
Soil difficulty
Region
Breakdown
DIY total
$735
Contractor range
$2,500–$5,000
DIY per foot
$7
Est. savings
$3,015
Labor basis: $25–$50/ft × soil and regional multipliers. Prices are 2026 national averages.
People Also Ask
How much does a French drain cost per foot?
A professionally installed shallow yard French drain typically costs $25 to $50 per linear foot. Deep foundation footing drains cost $60 to $100 per foot because of extra excavation depth. DIY materials usually run only $4 to $10 per foot, plus equipment rental.
Is it cheaper to install a French drain yourself?
Yes. DIY installation usually saves 60 to 80 percent compared to hiring a contractor. Most of a contractor's price is labor and equipment. Homeowners pay mainly for stone, pipe, fabric and a $150 to $350 daily trencher or mini-excavator rental.
How much does it cost to rent a trencher?
A walk-behind trencher rents for about $150 to $250 per day, while a mini-excavator for deeper foundation drains costs $250 to $350 or more per day. Delivery fees of $50 to $150 often apply, and one day handles roughly 100 to 200 feet in average soil.
Why does clay soil increase French drain cost?
Heavy clay, roots and rock slow excavation, wear equipment, and produce more spoil to haul away. Contractors typically charge 25 to 50 percent more in these conditions. Clay also drains slowly, so a full fabric wrap and proper pitch become essential to long-term performance.