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🔧 French Drain Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost to install a French drain. Covers perforated pipe, drainage gravel, landscape fabric, and an optional catch basin.

Project Details

Trench Length (ft)

Total length of the drainage trench

Trench Depth (inches)

Depth of the trench — deeper drains handle more water volume

Include Catch Basin (0=no, 1=yes)

1 = add a catch basin at the inlet to intercept surface runoff

Your Estimate

Enter your details and hit Calculate to see results.

Recommended Tools & Supplies

Trenching Shovel

Cut a clean narrow trench without excess soil removal

Compact gravel base before laying pipe

Move excavated soil and gravel along the trench line

Cut landscape fabric cleanly around pipe and fittings

Editorial picks. Links go to Amazon — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Pro Tips

✓ French drains need a minimum 1% slope (1 inch drop per 8 ft) — confirm grade before digging
✓ Wrap the perforated pipe in sock fabric before placing it to prevent silt from clogging holes
✓ Discharge to daylight, a dry well, or storm drain — never terminate in a closed space
✓ Use 3/4 inch clean washed gravel, not crusher run — fines migrate into pipe and block it

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