How Much Do French Drains Cost?

We'd hate for you to face the same frustrations with your outdoor space that you did last year. There's absolutely something you can do about muddy, wet, unusable spaces on your property. A French drain might be the solution if you have soggy spots in your yard or water pooling around your foundation. These underground drainage systems redirect excess water away from problem areas, protecting your home and landscape from erosion and water damage.

Back 40 Landscaping installs French drains throughout Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and the Fraser Valley. This article breaks down everything you need to know about French drain system costs, how they work, and whether they’re the right choice for your property so you can make the right decision for yourself.

What Is A French Drain?

A French drain system is a trench, usually filled with soil, gravel, or round rock, that contains a drainage pipe. Its purpose is to absorb ground and surface water and transport it to a designated area.

French drains are commonly used to

• Prevent water pooling in backyards
• Improve drainage around foundations and basements
• Redirect water away from driveways or low-lying areas

Water enters the drain through the gravel and fabric, flows into the perforated pipe, and is carried away from the problem area. Proper French drain design ensures the right slope and placement to keep your property dry.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a French Drain?

A French drain can cost between $5,000 and $17,000 for a typical residential backyard (anything that takes 30 minutes or less to mow). There are many ways to install a French drain, and not all systems are built to last. Some drains fail within months, while others can function effectively for over 200 years. The difference comes down to materials, drainage design, and installation methods.

French Drain Trench Excavation Methods

The way a French drain trench is dug plays a significant role in installation time, cost, and long-term effectiveness. 

Digging by Hand – Slow and Labour-Intensive

• No need for heavy machinery, making it an option for tight spaces.
• Extremely slow process, leading to higher labour costs.
• Harder to reach the correct French drain depth, reducing effectiveness.
• Soil removal is difficult without machines, adding time and effort.

Digging with an Excavator – The Best for Efficiency and Depth

Most professional French drain installations use an excavator to dig the trench.

• Fast and efficient, allowing for proper depth and width.
• Achieves consistent trench slope, which is crucial for proper drainage.
• Requires space for machinery, which may not be possible in tight areas.
• Excavated soil expands up to 1.3 times its original size, so removal may be necessary.

French Drain Materials: Choosing the Right Components for a Long-Lasting System

The effectiveness and lifespan of a French drain system depend largely on the materials used. Pipe, fabric, and backfill all play a critical role in drainage performance. While some materials may reduce upfront costs, they can also shorten the lifespan of the system, leading to premature failure and expensive repairs.

French Drain Fabric Options

The right drainage fabric helps prevent soil from mixing with gravel, which extends the system’s lifespan. Some contractors skip fabric altogether to save costs, but this leads to clogging and failure.

No Fabric 

Some systems skip fabric entirely, which reduces installation costs but shortens the lifespan significantly. Without fabric, soil will mix with the gravel, eventually clogging the system.

Single-Punched Fabric 

Single-punched landscape fabric has half the number of punched openings as high-performance drainage fabric. It is inexpensive and widely available. While better than no fabric, single-punch fabric is still prone to clogging. This product restricts water flow, leading to slower drainage. It can clog over time, reducing effectiveness.

Double-Punched Geotextile Fabric – The Best Choice for Longevity

Double-punched fabric has twice the water flow capacity of single-punched fabric and prevents soil infiltration. This product is stronger and more durable than standard landscape fabric. It allows 140 gallons per minute of water flow per square foot and stops soil from clogging the system. Though quality comes with a higher upfront cost, this investment eliminates the need for future repairs.

French Drain Pipe Options

The drain pipe is the core of the system, responsible for collecting and redirecting water. 

Black ADS Pipe (Big-O with Green Stripe) – The Cheapest, Least Durable Option

This option is best for homeowners looking for the cheapest, shortest-term solution. Not recommended for high-clay soils like those found in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and the Fraser Valley.

• Made from recycled plastic with three small inlets per valley.
• Flexible and easy to install, but crushes easily.
• Most commonly used in the Fraser Valley but has a short lifespan.

Pros

• Inexpensive and widely available.
• Lightweight and flexible for easy installation.
• Can be installed quickly without special tools.

Cons

• Clogs easily—small inlet holes get blocked by clay and debris.
• Crushes under soil pressure—can collapse within months to a few years.
• Low water intake capacity—leading to slow drainage and standing water issues.

White PVC Perforated Pipe – A Rigid, Longer-Lasting Option

This can be a good choice for homeowners who want more durability than Big-O pipe but don’t want to pay for a high-performance drainage system.

• Made from solid PVC, with holes at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions.
• Three times the price of Big-O pipe but significantly more durable.
• Rigid and does not flex, making it difficult to install in curved areas.

Pros

• Stronger than Big-O pipe so it won’t crush under soil pressure.
• Larger inlet holes allow better water flow.
• Longer lifespan than flexible plastic pipe.

Cons

• Costs three times more than Big-O.
• Time-consuming to install, requiring gluing and fittings for curves.
• Cracks in cold temperatures if not installed below the frost line (18 inches deep).
• Water accumulates beneath the pipe, creating potential root intrusion problems.

Blue High-Octane Pipe (Baughman Tile) – The Best Long-Term Solution

This option is for people who like to do a project right the first time so that it lasts for a long time. Homeowners who want the most effective, longest-lasting drainage system with zero maintenance choose Baughman Tile. Back 40 Landscaping is the only company in the Lower Mainland to use Baughman Tile for our French Drain systems, providing a fail-proof drainage system each time they are installed, which is a huge peace of mind in our region’s high-clay soils.

Pros

• Strongest option, resisting crushing, settling, and root intrusion.
• Highest water intake capacity
• Dries out the subsurface faster than any other pipe option.
• Flexible and easy to install, with no need for glue or multiple fittings.

Cons

• Most expensive pipe option.
• Requires high-quality fabric and round rock to reach its full potential.

Backfill Options for a French Drain

The type of gravel or backfill material used in the trench affects how well the drain functions.

Existing Soil – A Temporary Solution

Some contractors reuse excavated soil to fill the trench instead of gravel. This is, of course, the cheapest option, but soil compacts within 2 months to 2 years, blocking water flow and reducing the system’s lifespan.

¾” Clear Gravel – A Step Up, but Still Limited

¾” clear gravel is commonly used as a drainage backfill, but it has limited void space, meaning it doesn’t fully dry out the subsurface. It provides much better drainage than soil but holds water for longer, so the subsurface stays wet. Without the proper fabric, gravel can mix with soil over time.

1½” Round Rock – The Best Drainage Backfill

Larger, 1½” round rock is the most expensive option but provides the best overall function. Round Rock provides maximum void space, allowing for better drainage and air circulation, preventing compacting, and helping the subsurface dry out faster. This is also healthier for plant roots, which don’t enjoy waterlogged soil.

Fabric Placement Methods

Fabric placement impacts how well the system resists clogging and soil infiltration. Some methods extend the drain’s lifespan, while others allow fine particles to enter the system, leading to premature failure. Of course, either fabric placement option is better than no fabric at all.

Fabric Placed Only on Top of the Pipe – Limited Protection

This method places fabric over the trench, but not along the bottom or sides.

• Somewhat reduces soil infiltration, but gravel still mixes with dirt over time.
• Water can slowly filter through, but clogging risk remains.
• Eventually requires replacement when the system becomes compacted.

Burrito Wrap Method – The Best for Long-Term Performance

The burrito wrap method involves lining the bottom and sides of the trench with fabric, placing the pipe inside, and then fully wrapping the system.

• Prevents soil contamination, ensuring a long lifespan.
• Allows maximum water flow by keeping the gravel void spaces open.
• Requires high-quality double-punched geotextile fabric for best results.

French Drain Installation Methods and Cost Breakdown

There are many ways to install a French drain, and the materials, methods, and labour involved can significantly affect the system's cost, performance, and lifespan. Below, we break down three common installation methods used in the Fraser Valley, ranging from basic to premium systems.

Basic French Drain $5,000 - $9,000

Materials Used

• Black ADS (Big-O) perforated pipe
• No fabric
• Backfill with existing clay soil

Installation Process

• The trench is dug by hand to keep equipment costs low.
• Big-O pipe is laid directly on the trench bottom.
• The trench is backfilled with the excavated clay soil, rather than using drainage rock.

Pros

• The cheapest option with no extra costs for gravel, fabric, or soil disposal.
• DIY-friendly—no need for an excavator or skid steer.
• Supplies are available at most home improvement stores.

Cons

• Short lifespan (2 months to 2 years) due to soil compaction around the pipe.
• Big-O pipe clogs and crushes easily, reducing drainage efficiency.
• No void space around the pipe, meaning the subsurface stays wet.
• Often costs more in the long run when it needs to be replaced.

Mid-Range French Drain – $9,000 to $13,000

Materials Used

• White PVC perforated pipe
• Single-punched landscape fabric
• ¾” clear gravel

Installation Method

• A small excavator is used to dig the trench.
• ¾” clear gravel is placed at the bottom.
• PVC perforated pipe is installed on top of the gravel.
• More gravel is added to backfill the trench, and fabric is placed on top.

Pros

• More durable than Big-O pipe—PVC is rigid and won’t collapse.
• Some void space for water storage, improving drainage.
• More effective than the basic system, with a 5-15 year lifespan.

Cons

• Higher cost due to excavation and better materials.
• PVC requires cutting, priming, and gluing at each joint.
• Rigid pipes are harder to install around obstacles like trees.
• Since the fabric is only placed on top, the soil gradually clogs the gravel over time.
• Standing water can accumulate beneath the pipe, leading to root intrusion.

Premium French Drain – $13,000 to $17,000

Materials Used

• Blue High-Octane (Baughman Tile) pipe
• Double-punched geotextile fabric
• 1½” round rock

Installation Method

• A full-size excavator is used to dig the trench.
• Double-punched geotextile fabric lines the bottom and sides.
• Blue High-Octane pipe is placed inside the trench.
• 1½” round rock is used as backfill.
• The fabric is fully wrapped around the system ("burrito wrap") to prevent soil contamination.

Pros

• Rated for 200 years.
• The most effective drainage system means the soil dries much faster.
• Burrito-wrapped fabric prevents clogging, ensuring long-term performance.
• Dry, clear subsurface allows plant roots to thrive and reduces waterlogged grass.

Cons

• Higher cost due to premium materials and excavation.
• Requires heavy equipment (excavator, skid steer, dump trucks).
• Not DIY-friendly because it requires soil disposal and rock delivery.

Additional Cost Factors

The final cost of your French drain installation depends on some of the following aspects of your property and project.

• Site access: If an excavator can’t reach the area, manual labour increases the cost.
• Soil disposal: Excavated soil needs to be hauled away, adding to costs.
• Obstacles: Trees, fences, patios, or buildings may increase labour time.
• Drainage distance: Longer discharge pipes cost more in materials and installation.
• Sump pumps: If gravity drainage isn’t possible, an electric pump system is required.
• Size and length: More pipe means greater cost in labour and supplies (see diagrams below).

Here are three examples of French drains being installed in the same yard, using the exact same materials.

French Drain FAQs

What Factors Can Decrease the Price of A French Drain Install?

• New construction sites with easy access.
• Onsite soil disposal options instead of hauling it away.
• Open yards that allow excavators and loaders to work efficiently.

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench for Drainage?

Trenching costs vary depending on soil type, access, and required depth. To get an accurate price, it’s best to consult with a drainage professional who can assess your site and provide a customized quote. In Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and the Fraser Valley, excavation prices range based on the following.

• Soil conditions—clay-heavy soils require more labour and proper drainage fabric for French drain systems.
• Site access—tight spaces may require hand digging, increasing costs.
• Depth and length—a deeper French drain depth requires more excavation, backfill, and disposal.
• Additional features—discharge systems like sump pumps add to installation costs.

Are French Drains Worth the Investment?

Are French drains worth the money? The answer depends on whether you want to fix the issue for good or continue dealing with water problems year after year.

A well-installed French drain will

• Eliminate soggy, muddy areas in your yard, making outdoor spaces usable again.
• Protect your foundation from water damage and erosion.
• Increase property value by eliminating persistent drainage concerns.
• Reduce maintenance costs by preventing landscaping damage.

A poorly designed system, on the other hand, may last only a few years before it clogs, fails, and requires replacement—often at twice the original cost.

Does a French Drain Increase Property Value?

If your property has ongoing drainage problems, installing a high-quality French drain system can significantly increase its value and marketability.

Buyers are often wary of water pooling, erosion, and foundation concerns, which can affect home inspections and resale value. A well-designed drainage system reassures potential buyers that your property is well-maintained and protected from water damage.

Get a Professional French Drain Installation in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and the Fraser Valley

Back 40 Landscaping offers professional French drain design and installation, ensuring your system is built to last. We have the expertise, equipment, and high-quality materials to get the job done right. Don’t let another season go by dealing with soggy, unusable outdoor spaces. Contact us today for a consultation and get a customized French drain solution for your property.