Perimeter Drain Cost

While the thought of having a perimeter drain installed is not as exciting as having a patio put in, if you are a homeowner without one, you should be thrilled at the prospect of having one put in, as they are essential to keeping water away from your house. 

If we haven’t met before allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Back 40 Landscaping and our expertise is in retaining walls, hardscaping and drainage. We also like to bring education to those looking for retaining wall and drainage solutions.

What Is A Perimeter Drain?

Simply put, a perimeter drain is a drainage system that is placed underground, along the foundation of your home, and leads excess water away from your house, and to a drainage system or sewer.

Why are perimeter drains important?

Perimeter drains are incredibly important, as they keep your basement and/or crawl space area free of damaging moisture. Because a perimeter drain system carries water away from your home, water is less likely to get into your basement.

Perimeter drain cost

New Construction $10,000-$20,000

A perimeter drain that is being installed in a new home is going to cost around $10,000-$20,000.

What does this include?
This cost is for a complete system to be put in, in a new home build, with no landscaping.

Existing Homes $15,000-$25,000

A perimeter drain that is being installed in an existing home, is going to cost around $15,000-$25,000.

What does this include?
This cost is for a complete system to be put in an existing home, with no landscaping.

Existing Home With Landscaping $25,000-$50,000

A perimeter drain that is being installed in an existing home with landscaping, is going to cost around $25,000-$50,000.

What does this include?
This cost is for a complete system to be put in an existing home, with landscaping.

What is a complete system for a perimeter drain?

• Excavation ticket with BC1Call, and on-site marking
• Excavating around services: Water, Sewer, Gas, Electrical, Cable
• Excavation of soil around house down to foundation footer
• Perimeter drain system with inlet holes in pipe to collect ground water
• Concrete sump system in ground to collect water, and filter out debris
• System tied into city storm water connection, ditch, or other source
• Rough grading of soil around house where excavation occurred
• Site cleanup, and road cleanup

Why Does the Price of A Perimeter Drain Go up Significantly When There Is existing Landscaping Done?

Most homeowners have some type of landscape or hardscape around the perimeter of their house. The reason this adds to the cost of having a perimeter drain installed, is that to excavate around a house, walkways and any bushes, flower beds, or hardscape needs to be removed. Once removed, most hardscape material will need to be disposed of (it is near impossible to save any hardscape material that is being dug up) and replaced.

What Can Decrease the Cost of A Perimeter Drainage System?

• New construction with no landscaping within 15’ of buildings
• Wide open site with room for efficient excavation and earth moving equipment
• No concrete driveways, sidewalk or patios to work around
• Onsite place for extra excavated soil
• Well-draining backfill soil above drainage system

The cost of a system depends on your specific site access, current landscaping, and desired cleanup at the end of the project.

Although having a perimeter drain installed is not going to add to the look of your house, they are essential to keeping your basement dry and will prevent a lot of worries, headaches, and extra expenses if put in before water becomes a problem for you.