How much does a French drain cost?

DIY: $10-$30/linear foot (materials). Professional: $25-$60/linear foot. Average residential project (50-100 linear feet): $2,000-$6,000 professional. The cost depends on: depth, length, access difficulty, outlet type, and whether a dry well is needed. Interior French drains (basement perimeter): $3,000-$10,000 (includes sump pump and drainage system).

How do I fix standing water in my yard?

Start with the cheapest solutions first. Extend downspouts 4-6 feet from the foundation ($10-$30 each). Regrade low spots to direct water away ($500-$3,000). Install a French drain to collect and redirect groundwater ($2,000-$6,000). Add a dry well as a water disposal point ($500-$2,000). For persistent problems: install catch basins at low points connected to underground drainage. Always ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation.

Can I install a French drain myself?

Yes, it is one of the more DIY-friendly drainage projects. Tools: shovel (or trencher rental: $200-$400/day), level, wheelbarrow. Materials: 4-inch perforated pipe, landscape fabric, drainage gravel (3/4 inch). Steps: dig trench (12-24 inches deep, 1% slope), line with landscape fabric, add 2-3 inches of gravel, lay perforated pipe (holes down), fill with gravel, fold fabric over top, cover with soil or decorative stone. DIY saves 50-60% vs professional.

How do I keep water away from my foundation?

Foundation drainage checklist: 1) Grade slopes away from the foundation (6 inches of fall over 10 feet). 2) Extend downspouts 4-6 feet from the foundation. 3) Clean gutters regularly (overflowing gutters dump water at the foundation). 4) Install a French drain along the foundation if water persists. 5) Ensure window wells have proper drainage. 6) Consider a sump pump for basements with water intrusion. Address all five points for comprehensive foundation water management.

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Outdoor Living

Outdoor Drainage Solutions Guide: French Drains, Grading & More

Lumberama Editorial Team, Drainage & Landscape Engineering Specialists Jun 10, 2026 14 min read

Diagnosing Drainage Problems

Standing water: Water pools in the yard after rain (more than 24-48 hours is a problem). Causes: low spots, compacted soil, clay soil, poor grading, high water table.

Water against the foundation: The most serious drainage issue. Leads to basement/crawl space moisture, foundation damage, mold. Cause: ground slopes toward the house instead of away. Fix immediately.

Erosion: Soil washing away, exposing roots, creating channels. Cause: concentrated water flow without protection. Solutions: swales, rip-rap, ground cover, retaining walls.

Soggy lawn: Perpetually wet areas, spongy grass, moss growth. Cause: poor soil drainage (clay), high water table, underground springs. Solutions: French drain, dry well, soil amendment.

Solutions

Grading (Regrading)

The first and most important drainage solution. The ground should slope AWAY from the foundation at a minimum of 6 inches of fall over the first 10 feet. Regrading involves adding soil to create proper slope. Cost: $500-$3,000 (depending on area and soil volume). DIY-friendly for small areas. This alone solves many drainage problems.

French Drain

A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater. Depth: 12-24 inches. Width: 6-12 inches. Pipe: 4-inch perforated PVC or corrugated drain pipe. Slope: minimum 1% grade (1 inch per 8 feet). Lined with landscape fabric to prevent soil clogging. Outlet: daylight (surface) at a lower point, dry well, or storm drain (check local codes). Cost: $10-$30/linear foot (DIY) or $25-$60/linear foot (professional). Best for: collecting groundwater from a broad area, protecting foundations, draining soggy areas.

Catch Basin

A box with a grate that collects surface water runoff. Connected to underground pipes that carry water to an outlet. Sizes: 9x9 inch (small), 12x12 inch (standard), 18x18 inch (large). Installed at low points where water collects. Cost: $200-$500 per basin (installed) plus $10-$20/linear foot for pipe. Best for: collecting water at specific low points, downspout drainage, driveway runoff.

Dry Well

An underground chamber that collects water and allows it to slowly percolate into the surrounding soil. Sizes: 50-150 gallons. Installed below grade, filled with gravel or a prefabricated plastic chamber. Receives water from French drains, downspouts, or catch basins. Cost: $500-$2,000 (installed). Best for: disposing of collected water when no surface outlet is available, areas with sandy/loamy soil (not clay).

Channel Drain (Trench Drain)

A narrow, linear drain with a grate, installed in hardscape (driveways, patios, pool decks). Collects sheet-flow water across paved surfaces. Cost: $30-$100/linear foot (installed). Best for: driveway edges, patio perimeters, garage entries, pool decks.

Downspout Extensions

The simplest and cheapest drainage improvement. Extend downspouts to discharge water 4-6 feet from the foundation (minimum). Options: above-ground extensions (cheap, easy), underground pipe to a pop-up emitter (cleaner look, $100-$300 per downspout). Every home should have downspout extensions as a baseline. Cost: $10-$30 each (above-ground) or $100-$300 (underground with pop-up emitter).

Swale

A shallow, wide ditch that directs water flow across the landscape. Can be grassed (natural look) or lined with stone (more capacity). Slope: minimum 1% grade. Cost: $500-$2,000 (depending on length and material). Best for: redirecting surface water across large areas, natural-looking drainage.