This article will give you approximate French drain costs of installation and the options that you can choose from. You can either choose to get this job done by professionals or do it yourself.
Primarily French drains are constructed when your neighbor’s land is at a higher level and elevation as compared to yours, leading to excessive moisture problems on your property. Let’s find out what it is, and also how much it costs to have it installed.
The Concept
Let’s get the hang of what a French drain means. Also termed as land drain, rock drain, or perimeter drain, it is a fundamentally a trench, which is covered with gravel or rocks. This gravel or rock does the work of redirecting the surface and groundwater away from an area. There can be perforated hollow pipes to this drain, along the bottom for venting the water quickly, which seeps down through the rock or gravel, which lies on top. These are commonly used as full-fledged drainage systems for curbing the ground and surface water from seeping through and damaging foundations of buildings. It’s also used in septic tank sewage treatment systems.
Cost of Installation
While many people choose to install the drain themselves, one can also get it done professionally. Once you pick up a suitable spot for the water to drain into, more than half your job is done.
Professional Installation
If you hire a professional for installing the drain, expect to pay the most for labor. The material is not of much concern. Gravel and the like are not very expensive. You will need to calculate the distance from your home to the spot where you want to lead the water. Then you can decide how much material you will require, and how much will it cost. If you consider an 18 foot-system accompanied by an additional 15 foot extension till the curb, the approximate expenditure as of 2010 is between USD 800 to USD 1,000. For basement drains, expect to pay around USD 14,000 for exterior basement water proofing. On the contrary, interior drains are cheaper, at around USD 6,000.
You can easily estimate the cost by checking out these things –
- The extent of digging
- Total material required
- Types of pipes needed
In addition to these, you will have to consider some miscellaneous and minor expenses and building permit charges, if required. Some cities have specific building laws.
Other Options
If the USD 1,000 scares you, then the best way would be to install the drain yourself. It is not too tough, but as mentioned earlier you will have to be well acquainted with the nitty-gritty of a French drain. Moreover, it will also save you a lot of money. You will have to spend for the material – pipes, gravel, etc., if you do not have any of the requisite tools.
If you are going to get the installation done professionally, it will be a good idea to ask around in 3 or 4 shops and then decide. It will help you to get the best value! Good luck!