South Canyon Construction helps homeowners across Greater Sacramento solve drainage problems before they turn into foundation, yard, or moisture issues. The cost to install a French drain in Greater Sacramento typically ranges from $80 to $95 per linear foot for exterior systems based on the information of Dennis at South Canyon Construction Inc.
This price usually includes excavation, pipe placement, gravel, and labor. Interior French drains, such as those installed in crawl spaces or basements, often cost about double due to tighter spaces, added manual labor, and interior drainage components.
Full Breakdown of Costs to Install a French Drain
South Canyon knows French drain installation pricing depends on several factors tied to how the drain is built, where it is installed, and what conditions crews face during excavation. Below is a clear breakdown of what affects total cost.
Type of French Drain
The type of pipe used impacts both material and labor costs. Common options include PVC or corrugated pipe and styrofoam-wrapped perforated pipe. PVC offers rigidity and long-term performance, while corrugated pipe is more flexible and easier to work with in curved or uneven trenches. Styrofoam-wrapped systems combine filtration and pipe in one unit, which can speed up installation in some exterior applications.
French Drain Labor Costs
Labor covers trench excavation, proper slope setup, gravel placement, pipe installation, and backfilling. Graveling the perforated pipe is a key part of the system and takes time to do correctly. Labor costs rise when access is limited, trenches are deep, or soil conditions slow down excavation.
Size and Depth of the Drain (Excavation)
Longer and deeper drains require more excavation and material. A shallow drain installed along a yard perimeter costs less than a deep trench near a foundation footing. Depth also affects how much soil must be removed and hauled away, which can increase labor time.
Interior or Exterior French Drain
Exterior French drains are usually more straightforward to install and follow standard excavation methods. Interior French drains use thin-wall PVC, also known as HDPE high-density polyethylene, or corrugated pipe. These systems often include drainage boards or wall channels to direct water into the drain. Interior work involves tighter spaces and manual excavation, which increases cost.
Soil Type
Soil conditions play a major role in pricing. Wet soil, clay-heavy ground, or compacted dirt takes longer to excavate and handle. In these conditions, total project cost can increase by 10% to 15% due to added labor.
Permits
Some French drain projects require permits, depending on scope and location. A grading or drainage permit may be required by the City of Sacramento or Sacramento County when moving more than 350 cubic yards of soil or working on properties larger than one acre. Additional review may be required if the property is near a wetland or stream.
Permit requirements may also involve agencies such as the Central Valley Flood Protection Board or the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency. More information on local permit requirements can be found here: https://planning.saccounty.gov/Pages/default.aspx
French Drain Cost Per Linear Foot
Understanding cost per linear foot gives homeowners a clearer way to budget and compare French drain options. This pricing method accounts for excavation, materials, labor, and installation time, making it easier to estimate total costs based on the length of the drain needed. Per-foot pricing provides a solid baseline, factors like depth, access, soil conditions, and interior versus exterior placement can still shift the final number.
Exterior French Drain Cost Per Linear Foot
Exterior French drains in Greater Sacramento average $95 per linear foot for projects under 50 linear feet, and $80 per linear foot for projects over that length. For example, a 50-linear-foot exterior French drain typically costs around $4,750, including excavation and labor.
Interior French Drain Cost Per Linear Foot
Interior French drains generally cost about 1.7 times more than exterior systems. This increase reflects manual excavation, interior drainage boards or wall channels, and additional labor. Interior systems commonly fall into a higher per-foot range once materials and labor are combined.
Hiring a Professional for French Drain Installation in the Greater Sacramento Area
French drain systems need proper slope, placement, and materials to work long term. Hiring a professional helps avoid drainage failures and repeat repairs.
If you are planning a drainage solution, Contact South Canyon Construction and learn more about our French drain installation services in the Greater Sacramento area.