Bay Area per-foot ranges by type
| Type of French drain | Typical depth | Bay Area cost per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow yard drain | 18–24 in | $35–$55+ |
| Foundation-grade drain | 24–36 in or deeper | $55–$85+ |
| Hillside or deep subsurface drain | 36 in or deeper | $75–$100+ |
Cardona Construction, Bay Area French drain cost (2026) publishes these ranges and examples such as a 60-foot lawn drain at $2,100–$3,300+ and an 80-foot foundation perimeter drain at $4,400–$6,800+.
Worked examples
| Length | Math (Bay Area $35–$90+/ft) | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 50 × $35 to 50 × $90 | $1,750–$4,500+ |
| 100 ft | 100 × $35 to 100 × $90 | $3,500–$9,000+ |
| 200 ft | 200 × $35 to 200 × $90 | $7,000–$18,000+ |
| 100 ft deep hillside drain | 100 × $75 to 100 × $100 | $7,500–$10,000+ |
These are planning numbers, not quotes. Outlets, concrete work and restoration can add to them; a simple, accessible run can come in under them.
National guides for comparison
| Source | Range they publish |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | Exterior French drain $10–$30+/ft; perimeter $30–$90+/ft; 100 ft exterior $1,000–$3,500+; curtain drain $1,500–$8,800+ installed |
| Angi | $500–$18,000+ for most installs; $10–$100+ per foot; yard drains about $20–$30+ per foot |
National figures skew low for this area: higher labor costs, slopes, hand digging and premium restoration all push local prices up.
What moves the price on hillside lots
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Excavation and hauling | Half to two-thirds of a typical local quote, per Cardona |
| Access | Machines vs. hand digging; narrow side yards and stairs slow everything |
| Depth | Deeper trenches mean more digging, rock and shoring |
| Soil and rock | Heavy clay, old fill, buried concrete and roots add labor |
| Outlet | Daylight outlets cost less than storm connections, curb runs or pumps |
| Concrete and hardscape | Cutting and patching driveways, patios or walks |
| Restoration | Lawn is cheapest; pavers, plantings and irrigation cost more |
| Engineering and permits | Hillside grading or wall work can need plans; permit fees typically $100–$375+ (HomeGuide) |
Related drainage costs
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Underground downspout line | $150–$350+ per downspout | HomeGuide |
| Channel drain | $30–$150+ per ft; $400–$1,200+ for a one-car driveway | HomeGuide |
| Regrading | $500–$5,000+ | HomeGuide |
| Dry well | $50–$3,000+ (rock pit to concrete tank) | HomeGuide |
| French drain cleaning | $80–$500+ | HomeGuide |
| Sump pump with drainage | $600–$2,500+ | HomeGuide |
Job pages: installation, hillside drainage, repair, downspouts and catch basins.
How to compare quotes
Line quotes up on the same items: linear feet, depth, pipe, rock, fabric, outlet, cleanouts, restoration and permits. A low quote that skips the outlet or restoration isn't cheaper. The contractor checklist lists what each quote should state.
Questions homeowners ask
How much does a 200 ft French drain cost?
At the Bay Area rate of about $35–$90+ per linear foot, 200 feet works out to roughly $7,000–$18,000+ (Cardona Construction). National guides quote $2,000–$7,000+ for 200 feet of shallow exterior drain (HomeGuide), which assumes easier digging than most local lots.
How much does a 100 ft French drain cost?
Roughly $3,500–$9,000+ at Bay Area per-foot rates, more for deep hillside drains. The worked examples above show the math.
Are French drains worth the money?
When water in the soil is the problem and there is a real outlet, yes. When roof water or grade is the problem, cheaper surface fixes may solve it. See pros, cons and alternatives.
Why are Bay Area prices higher than national averages?
Labor costs, heavy soils, tight access and restoration. One local contractor says excavation, hauling and backfill make up half to two-thirds of a typical quote (Cardona Construction).