EXTERIOR
French Drain Cost: Per Linear Foot in 2026
Estimate French drain installation cost per linear foot — with the free drainage calculator.
A French drain is the fix for standing water, soggy yards and damp basements. The price depends almost entirely on whether it's interior or exterior. Here's the real 2026 cost.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
French drains run $10–$65 per linear foot (exterior) or $40–$100 (interior basement) in 2026, averaging $5,000 per project. A 100 ft exterior drain runs $1,000–$6,500. Interior runs $4,000–$10,000 for 100 ft.
Exterior vs interior
Exterior yard drains run $10–$65 per linear foot — shallow trench, pipe, gravel. Interior basement perimeter drains run $40–$100 per linear foot because they require cutting the slab and a sump pump. DIY costs $2–$5 per foot in materials.
- Exterior: $10–$65 per linear ft
- Interior basement: $40–$100 per linear ft
- Average project: $5,000
- 100 ft exterior: $1,000–$6,500
When you need it
Standing water after rain, soggy lawns, damp basement walls, foundation cracks and moldy smells all point to drainage problems. A French drain moves water away before it reaches the foundation.
Try the drain calculator
Enter the linear feet and price per foot to estimate the project.